Diagnostic delivery service

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related Application(s)). All subject matter ofthe Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent,great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications isincorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter isnot inconsistent herewith.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

-   -   1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the        present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 12/322,326, entitled DIAGNOSTIC        DELIVERY SERVICE, naming Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde,        Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J.        Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as        inventors, filed 29, Jan., 2009, which is currently co-pending,        or is an application of which a currently co-pending application        is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.    -   2. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the        present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 12/322,331, entitled DIAGNOSTIC        DELIVERY SERVICE, naming Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde,        Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J.        Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as        inventors, filed 29, Jan., 2009, which is currently co-pending,        or is an application of which a currently co-pending application        is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.    -   3. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the        present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 12/322,333, entitled DIAGNOSTIC        DELIVERY SERVICE, naming Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde,        Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J.        Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as        inventors, filed 29, Jan., 2009, which is currently co-pending,        or is an application of which a currently co-pending application        is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.    -   4. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the        present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 12/322,353, entitled DIAGNOSTIC        DELIVERY SERVICE, naming Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde,        Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J.        Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as        inventors, filed 29, Jan., 2009, which is currently co-pending,        or is an application of which a currently co-pending application        is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.    -   5. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the        present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 12/322,330, entitled DIAGNOSTIC        DELIVERY SERVICE, naming Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde,        Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J.        Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as        inventors, filed 29, Jan., 2009, which is currently co-pending,        or is an application of which a currently co-pending application        is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.    -   6. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the        present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 12/322,357, entitled DIAGNOSTIC        DELIVERY SERVICE, naming Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde,        Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J.        Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as        inventors, filed 29, Jan., 2009, which is currently co-pending,        or is an application of which a currently co-pending application        is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.    -   7. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the        present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 12/322,334, entitled DIAGNOSTIC        DELIVERY SERVICE, naming Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde,        Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J.        Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as        inventors, filed 29, Jan., 2009, which is currently co-pending,        or is an application of which a currently co-pending application        is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.    -   8. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the        present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 12/322,327, entitled DIAGNOSTIC        DELIVERY SERVICE, naming Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde,        Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J.        Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as        inventors, filed 29, Jan., 2009, which is currently co-pending,        or is an application of which a currently co-pending application        is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.        The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice        to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that        patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate        whether an application is a continuation or        continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed        Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, available at        http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.        The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) has        provided above a specific reference to the application(s) from        which priority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant        understands that the statute is unambiguous in its specific        reference language and does not require either a serial number        or any characterization, such as “continuation” or        “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patent        applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant        understands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data        entry requirements, and hence Applicant is designating the        present application as a continuation-in-part of its parent        applications as set forth above, but expressly points out that        such designations are not to be construed in any way as any type        of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not the present        application contains any new matter in addition to the matter of        its parent application(s).

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method includes but is not limited to obtaining anindication of one or more attributes of an emission module and invokingcircuitry for causing an irradiation in response to the indication ofthe one or more attributes of the emission module.

In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are notlimited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the hereinreferenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can bevirtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmwareconfigured to effect the herein referenced method aspects depending uponthe design choices of the system designer.

In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to circuitry forobtaining an indication of one or more attributes of an emission moduleand circuitry for causing an irradiation in response to the indicationof the one or more attributes of the emission module. In addition to theforegoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings,and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In one aspect, a method includes but is not limited to obtaining anindication of a user action and invoking circuitry for causing anirradiation of at least a part of a subject's body in response to theindication of the user action.

In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are notlimited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the hereinreferenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can bevirtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmwareconfigured to effect the herein referenced method aspects depending uponthe design choices of the system designer.

In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to circuitry forobtaining an indication of a user action and circuitry for causing anirradiation of at least a part of a subject's body in response to theindication of the user action. In addition to the foregoing, othersystem aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming apart of the present disclosure.

In some variants, a system includes an emission module having one ormore activation-history-dependent features configured to prevent atleast an unspecified user from being able to release more than a maximumamount of ionizing radiation energy via the emission module.

In some variants, a system includes first circuitry for transmitting afirst image of a body part to a remote entity in response to an actionby a local entity, second circuitry for causing an irradiation of thebody part in response to the remote entity, and an imaging componentconfigured to capture a second image of the body part in response to theremote entity.

In some variants, a system includes an electromagnetic radiation controlmodule having at least a trigger operable for activating an ionizingradiation emitter and circuitry for resetting the electromagneticradiation control module partly based on a certification of a user andpartly based on an action by the user.

In some variants, a system includes an emission module operable foremitting electromagnetic energy, first circuitry for detecting an effectof the electromagnetic energy through a body part from the emissionmodule, second circuitry for detecting an effect of other energy fromthe body part, and third circuitry for resetting the emission modulepartly based on a certification of a user and partly based on an actionby the user.

In some variants, a system includes an ionizing radiation control moduleoperable locally in response to one or more local user actions andcircuitry for configuring the ionizing radiation control module locallyin response to a remote signal.

In some variants, a system includes an emission module operable foremitting energy through a wireless medium, first circuitry for resettingthe emission module partly based on a certification of a user and partlybased on an action by the user, and a wearable article configured tosupport one or more sensing elements to receive a portion of the energythrough a body part from the emission module.

In some variants, a system includes an emission module operable foremitting energy through a wireless medium, one or more sensing elementsconfigured to receive a portion of the energy through a body part fromthe emission module, and circuitry for resetting the emission modulepartly based on a certification of a user and partly based on an actionby the user.

In some variants, a system includes first circuitry for causing a use ofa first energy emitter set and of at least a first image detectionstructure and second circuitry for causing a use of a second energyemitter set and of at least the first image detection structure partlybased on a certification of a user and partly based on an action by theuser.

In some variants, a system includes an emission module suitable forbiological imaging and operable locally in response to one or more localuser actions and circuitry for resetting the emission module locally inresponse to a remote signal.

In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or system and/orprogram product aspects are set forth and described in the teachingssuch as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawingsof the present disclosure.

The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications,generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of detail; consequently,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary isillustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Otheraspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/orother subject matter described herein will become apparent in theteachings set forth herein.

In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are notlimited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting herein-referencedmethod aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually anycombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effectthe herein-referenced method aspects depending upon the design choicesof the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, various othermethod and/or system aspects are set forth and described in theteachings such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/ordrawings of the present disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1-22 depict exemplary environments in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented.

FIGS. 23-24 depict a high-level logic flow of an operational process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware, software, and/or firmware implementations of aspectsof systems; the use of hardware, software, and/or firmware is generally(but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardwareand software can become significant) a design choice representing costvs. efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciatethat there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/orother technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware,software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will varywith the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or othertechnologies are deployed. For example, if an implementer determinesthat speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for amainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibilityis paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly softwareimplementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt forsome combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, thereare several possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devicesand/or other technologies described herein may be effected, none ofwhich is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to beutilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehiclewill be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, orpredictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilledin the art will recognize that optical aspects of implementations willtypically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware.

In some implementations described herein, logic and similarimplementations may include software or other control structuressuitable to operation. Electronic circuitry, for example, may manifestone or more paths of electrical current constructed and arranged toimplement various logic functions as described herein. In someimplementations, one or more media are configured to bear adevice-detectable implementation if such media hold or transmit aspecial-purpose device instruction set operable to perform as describedherein. In some variants, for example, this may manifest as an update orother modification of existing software or firmware, or of gate arraysor other programmable hardware, such as by performing a reception of ora transmission of one or more instructions in relation to one or moreoperations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in somevariants, an implementation may include special-purpose hardware,software, firmware components, and/or general-purpose componentsexecuting or otherwise invoking special-purpose components.Specifications or other implementations may be transmitted by one ormore instances of tangible transmission media as described herein,optionally by packet transmission or otherwise by passing throughdistributed media at various times.

Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include executing aspecial-purpose instruction sequence or otherwise invoking circuitry forenabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting, or otherwise causing oneor more occurrences of any functional operations described above. Insome variants, operational or other logical descriptions herein may beexpressed directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked asan executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, C++or other code sequences can be compiled directly or otherwiseimplemented in high-level descriptor languages (e.g., alogic-synthesizable language, a hardware description language, ahardware design simulation, and/or other such similar mode(s) ofexpression). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the logicalexpression may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware description orother circuitry model before physical implementation in hardware,especially for basic operations or timing-critical applications. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize how to obtain, configure, and optimizesuitable transmission or computational elements, material supplies,actuators, or other common structures in light of these teachings.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious embodiments described herein can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by various types of electromechanical systemshaving a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range ofcomponents that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigidbodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, electro-magneticallyactuated devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof.Consequently, as used herein “electromechanical system” includes, but isnot limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer(e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a Micro ElectroMechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitry having at leastone discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at leastone integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory(e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical circuitryforming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch,optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any non-electrical analogthereto, such as optical or other analogs. Those skilled in the art willalso appreciate that examples of electromechanical systems include butare not limited to a variety of consumer electronics systems, medicaldevices, as well as other systems such as motorized transport systems,factory automation systems, security systems, and/orcommunication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat electromechanical as used herein is not necessarily limited to asystem that has both electrical and mechanical actuation except ascontext may dictate otherwise.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will also recognize thatthe various aspects described herein which can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, and/or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composedof various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein“electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electricalcircuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electricalcircuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one application specific integrated circuit, electricalcircuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by acomputer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by acomputer program which at least partially carries out processes and/ordevices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g.,forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), and/orelectrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem,communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.). Those havingskill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described hereinmay be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combinationthereof.

Those skilled in the art will further recognize that at least a portionof the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated intoan image processing system. A typical image processing system maygenerally include one or more of a system unit housing, a video displaydevice, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors suchas microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entitiessuch as operating systems, drivers, applications programs, one or moreinteraction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna,etc.), control systems including feedback loops and control motors(e.g., feedback for sensing lens position and/or velocity; controlmotors for moving/distorting lenses to give desired focuses). An imageprocessing system may be implemented utilizing suitable commerciallyavailable components, such as those typically found in digital stillsystems and/or digital motion systems.

Those skilled in the art will likewise recognize that at least some ofthe devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into adata processing system. Those having skill in the art will recognizethat a data processing system generally includes one or more of a systemunit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile ornon-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digitalsignal processors, computational entities such as operating systems,drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one ormore interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna,etc.), and/or control systems including feedback loops and controlmotors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; controlmotors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A dataprocessing system may be implemented utilizing suitable commerciallyavailable components, such as those typically found in datacomputing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.

With reference now to FIG. 1, shown is a portable medical or veterinarysystem 100 in which one or more technologies may be implemented. It may(optionally) include one or more instances of a portable x-ray emissionmodule or other ionizing radiation control (IRC) module 150 operablelocally in response to one or more local user actions (manifesting asone or more indications 131, 132 of local gestures or vocalcommunication detectable by various sensors 135, e.g.). The embodimentfurther provides a controller board or other control logic 140 forresetting or otherwise configuring the IRC module 150 locally inresponse to a remote signal 110. (In some contexts, such “local” eventsrefer to those in a common facility with or otherwise near an energyemitter and/or emission.) IRC module 150 may interact with a scanning orother emitter 160, for example, optionally configured for use with oneor more imaging plates 180 supported in an appropriate position forimaging by one or more extenders 170. Other embodiments described belowmay likewise be implemented as a portable system containing one or moreemission, control, detection, or other structural features.

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may beapplied for selecting and positioning antennae, moreover, or othercircuitry for receiving and processing a wireless signal in systems asdescribed below without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,454,183 (“Method and system for antenna selection diversity withdynamic gain control”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,439,909 (“Antenna selection in apositioning system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,432,868 (“Portable antennapositioner apparatus and method”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,397,516 (“Televisionbroadcast receiver”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,392,011 (“Method and system forflexibly distributing power in a phased array antenna system”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,304,605 (“Method of calibrating an adaptive antenna array ofa satellite navigation system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,251,499 (“Method anddevice for selecting between internal and external antennas”); U.S. Pat.No. 7,180,470 (“Enhanced antenna stowage and deployment system”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,173,571 (“Portable antenna positioner apparatus and method”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,110,755 (“Information processing system, informationprocessing method of information processing system, informationprocessing apparatus, and information processing program”); U.S. Pat.No. 7,102,580 (“Antenna alignment devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,098,860(“High performance low cost dipole antenna for wireless applications”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,027,007 (“Antenna mast and device for adjusting theorientation of an antenna”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,344 (“Mast mountingdevice for radar”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,397 (“Autotracking antennasystem”).

Numerous existing techniques may be likewise be applied for implementingvarious emitters suitable for imaging in structures and systems asdescribed herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,452,103 (“Illuminating device for photoshooting”); U.S. Pat. No.7,424,091 (“Combined panoramic, CT (computed tomography) andcephalometric photographing apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,336,763(“Dental extra-oral x-ray imaging system and method”); U.S. Pat. No.7,320,319 (“Medicant delivery system and method”); U.S. Pat. No.7,274,766 (“Method and arrangement for three-dimensional medical X-rayimaging”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,206,375 (“Method and apparatus for implementXANES analysis”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,158,269 (“Scanner having a light beamincident position adjusting device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,154,989(“Radiological imaging apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,068,752 (“Method andarrangement for medical X-ray imaging”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,035,374(“Optical device for directing x-rays having a plurality of opticalcrystals”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,947,522 (“Rotating notched transmissionx-ray for multiple focal spots”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,040 (“RefractiveX-ray arrangement”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,340 (“Adjustable x-raycollimator”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,499 (“Ultrasonic medical system andassociated method”).

Alternatively or additionally, various existing techniques may beapplied for controlling energy emissions into a region, in light ofthese teachings, without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,419,467 (“Medical inspection device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,396,332(“Transducer with multiple resonant frequencies for an imagingcatheter”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,534 (“Multiangle ultrasound imager”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,366,280 (“Integrated arc anode x-ray source for acomputed tomography system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,141,020 (“Portable 3Dultrasound system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,102,123 (“Reflective imagingencoder”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,954,918 (“Integrated circuit cells”); U.S.Pat. No. 6,873,569 (“Method, system and probe for obtaining images”);U.S. Pat. No. 6,844,150 (“Ultrahigh resolution multicolor colocalizationof single fluorescent probes”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,352 (“Method andsystem for implementing variable x-ray intensity modulation schemes forimaging systems”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,533 (“Electron beam apparatus andmethod of controlling same”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,982(“Fully-swallowable endoscopic system”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,961(“Apparatus and methods for stereo radiography including remote controlvia a network”).

Numerous existing techniques may be applied, moreover, for configuringspecial-purpose circuitry or other features effective for disabling orotherwise limiting a local device or an operator's capabilities asdescribed herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,455,609 (“Electrically variable transmission having three planetarygear sets and clutched motor/generators”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,794(“Access control method”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,443,640 (“Apparatus fordetecting arc fault”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,437,409 (“Limiting interactionbetween parties in a networked session”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,403,766(“Telecommunication call management and monitoring system withvoiceprint verification”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,453 (“Discharge reactorfuse link”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,912 (“Method and system for creatingbanking sub-accounts with varying limits”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,388,311(“Redundant windings with current limiting means for electricmachines”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,550 (“Biometric safeguard method for usewith a smartcard”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,583 (““Countdown Timer”automatic water limiting supply shut off safety valve flo-controlsystem”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,564 (“Automatic device for optimizedmuscular stimulation”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,709 (“Method for controllingthe tilt position of a marine propulsion device”); U.S. Pat. No.7,059,516 (“Person authentication system, person authentication method,information processing apparatus, and program providing medium”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,047,452 (“Method and system for detecting excessive use of adata processing system”).

In some contexts, also, a variety of existing techniques may be appliedfor implementing a thermoluminescent screen, imaging optics, capturecircuitry, or other such configurations suitable for detecting energytransmittance patterns or other structural features in systems asdescribed herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,453,977 (“Variable resolution x-ray CT detector with target imagingcapability”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,453,067 (“Detector with a scintillator,and imaging unit having such a detector”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,450,174(“Two-dimensional image detector with disturbance-blocking buffer”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,449,690 (“Inspection method and inspection apparatususing charged particle beam”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,446,331 (“Apparatus forscanning stimulable phosphor medium”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,446,319(“Semiconductor radiation detector and radiological imaging apparatus”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,440,604 (“Image detector for bank notes”); U.S. Pat. No.7,440,108 (“Imaging spectrometer including a plurality of polarizingbeam splitters”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,436,500 (“Near infrared chemicalimaging microscope”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,433,445 (“Apparatus for and methodof capturing radiation image”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,433,042 (“Spatiallycorrected full-cubed hyperspectral imager”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,433,034(“Darkfield defect inspection with spectral contents”); U.S. Pat. No.7,432,498 (“Method and apparatus for optically detecting and identifyinga threat”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,429,735 (“High performance CCD-basedthermoreflectance imaging using stochastic resonance”); U.S. Pat. No.7,428,048 (“Imaging elastic scattering spectroscopy”).

With reference now to FIG. 2, shown is another context in which one ormore technologies may be implemented. As shown, a system 200 comprises auser 240 in a vicinity 235 of a local unit 250 operable forcommunicating to or from a remote network 230 (in another facility,e.g.) comprising one or more remote users 220. Remote user 220 may(optionally) use one or more modules 205 of evaluation logic 210, one ormore modules 221, 222, 223 of control logic 225, or other suchresources. Local unit 250 may include one or more instances of imagedetectors 260, emission modules 245, evaluations 265, states 272, images273, 274 or other data 275, readout units 281, or modules 291, 292, 293,294 of control logic 285, 295. Image detector 260 may include one ormore instances of sensors 251 (or arrays 252), reflectors 253, or othersuch features 254, 255 as described herein. Emission module 245 maylikewise (optionally) include one or more sets 241, 242 of emitters 261,262, 263 operable for emitting energy 283 through air or other wirelessmedia 238.

An embodiment provides (a) an emission module 245 operable for emittingenergy 283 through a wireless medium 238, (b) one or more sensor arrays252 or other sensing elements configured to receive a portion 282 of theenergy 283 through a subject's body part from the emission module 245,and (c) one or more modules 294 of control logic 295 for resettingemission module 245 based on (an evaluation 265 or other result of) acertification of a user and an action by the user. This can occur, forexample, in a context in which user 240 is the subject or otherwise hasaccess to the subject, in which such certification manifests asindication 201, in which such action manifests as indication 202, and inwhich any other preconditions for triggering evaluation logic 210 totransmit evaluation 265 are met. In some variants, for example, one ormore modules 205 are configured to respond affirmatively to anindication 201 that user 220 has remained active since logging on and toan indication 202 that user 220 has authorized a delegation of localcontrol of emission module to user 240. (Such a delegation may beimplemented or canceled in some variants, for example, by selectivelyenabling or disabling one or more local modules 293 of control logic295.) Other variants are described below, for example, with reference toFIGS. 3 & 19.

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may(optionally) be applied for establishing a direct or indirectcertification of a past or present user as described herein withoutundue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,447,911 (“Electronicidentification key with portable application programs and identified bybiometrics authentication”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,085 (“Authentication ofhandheld devices for access to applications”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,530(“Portable electronic door opener device and method for secure dooropening”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,366,904 (“Method for modifying validity of acertificate using biometric information in public keyinfrastructure-based authentication system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,366,703(“Smartcard internet authorization system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,236,936(“Security infusion pump with bar code reader”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,181,762(“Apparatus for pre-authentication of users using one-time passwords”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,688 (“Portable medication dispenser”); U.S. Pat. No.7,155,306 (“Medication administration system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,180(“System and method for usage of a role certificate in encryption and asa seal, digital stamp, and signature”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,147(“Certification of multiple keys with new base and supplementarycertificate types”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,969 (“Bone sonometry,densitometry and imaging”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,502 (“Restocking methodfor medical item dispensing system”).

Numerous existing techniques may likewise be applied for generating adetermination of whether a system and/or user state is suitable toproceed with an operation affecting a physical space in systems asdescribed herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,445,609 (“Apparatus for controlling the delivery of medical fluids”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,437,782 (“Load sensing safety device for verticallift”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,928 (“System and method of utilizing amachine readable medical marking for managing surgical procedures”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,349,725 (“Fluorescent image obtaining apparatus”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,342,368 (“Automated garage door closer”); U.S. Pat. No.7,313,427 (“Laser diode optical transducer assembly for non-invasivespectrophotometric blood oxygenation”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,422 (“Dualfunction inboard barrier/bridgeplate assembly for wheelchair lifts”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,297,148 (“Surgical safety procedure and apparatus”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,941 (“Systems and methods for determining a need forauthorization”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,663 (“Method and apparatus forcartilage growth stimulation”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,998,005 (“Method andapparatus for forming dye sublimation images in solid plastic”); U.S.Pat. No. 6,939,319 (“Process and device for single use, needle-freeintradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections”); U.S. Pat. No.6,864,478 (“Beam position monitoring for laser eye surgery”); U.S. Pat.No. 6,597,291 (“Garage door monitoring system”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,684(“Automated system for the radiation treatment of a desired area withinthe body of a patient”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,804 (“Firearm with personalsafety interlock mechanism”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,293 (“End cutapparatus for implanting spinal fusion device”).

Numerous existing techniques may likewise be applied for associating anaction with a user as described herein without undue experimentation.See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,206 (“Method and system with useridentifiers that indicate session type”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,366,676(“Method and system for in-service monitoring and training for aradiologic workstation”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,349,858 (“Method of dispensingand tracking the giving of medical items to patients”); U.S. Pat. No.7,076,436 (“Medical records, documentation, tracking and order entrysystem”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,634 (“Method and apparatus for reportingemergency incidents”).

Another embodiment provides (a) one or more modules 292 of control logic285, 295 for causing a use of a set 241 of one or more energy emitters261, 262 and of one or more features 254, 255 of image detector 260 and(b) one or more modules 221, 291 of control logic 225, 295 for causing ause of a set 242 of one or more energy emitters 262, 263 and of at leastone image detector feature 254 partly based on a certification of one ormore users 220, 240 who indicate willingness for such an emission. (Insome embodiments, an inference may be “based on” a certification orother event if it indicates the event or otherwise results from theevent, directly or indirectly.) This can occur, for example, in acontext in which a skilled user 220 has had an opportunity to determinethat local unit 250 is in an appropriate position and/or state 272 toproceed, in which a local or other evaluation 265 signifies suchwillingness manifested by a command or other such device-detectableaction, and in which local unit 250 may degrade or harm people if usedpoorly and/or frequently. Various control logic 285, 295 of local unit250 may simply receive such an evaluation 265, for example, from remoteevaluation logic 210. Alternatively or additionally, one or more suchmodules 205 may transmit such an evaluation (contingently) in responseto one or more indications 201 that user 220 been certified and hasgiven one or more indications 202 permitting a local user 240 toactivate an emission module 245 one or more times. Other variants aredescribed below, for example, with reference to FIGS. 17-22.

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may beapplied for enabling, disabling, and/or resetting a device via remoteconnection as described herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 7,385,313 (“Controller for on-off switching of powersupplies”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,626 (“Power-on-reset of elevatorcontrollers”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,568 (“Remote power control in amulti-node, partitioned data processing system”); U.S. Pat. No.7,005,997 (“Remote emergency power shutoff and alarm system”); U.S. Pat.No. 6,787,937 (“Method of operating remote operated circuit breakerpanel”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,981 (“Remote light indication faultindicator with a timed reset circuit and a manual reset circuit”); U.S.Pat. No. 6,346,880 (“Circuit and method for controlling an alarm”); U.S.Pat. No. 6,097,112 (“Electronic on/off switch for remote control modelprotected from inadvertent turn-off of its receiver”).

Yet another embodiment provides (a) an emission module 245 effective foremitting x-ray or other imaging energy 283 toward user 240, (b) areadout unit 281 positioned for capturing a thermal or other image 273indicating a portion 282 of the energy 283 (passing) through the bodypart from the emission module 245, and (c) one or more componentsconfigured to detect a digital image 274 or other data 275 indicative ofsuch capture. This can occur, for example, in a context in which localunit 250 includes or otherwise interacts with one or more instances ofone or more readout units 281, image detectors 260, or other detectionunits. In some variants, for example, readout unit 281 may comprisex-ray film or a thermoluminescent screen having a thin-film matrix ofheaters or other such optical detection structures. Alternatively oradditionally, such embodiments may include one or more modules 291-293of control logic 295 operable for invoking one or moresoftware-implemented or other reset protocols (of FIG. 12, e.g.) thatreset some or all of emission module 245 responsive to data 275 or otheroutput signals (remotely from user 240, e.g.) warranting such localcontrol. Other variants are described below, for example, with referenceto FIGS. 12-19.

With reference now to FIG. 3, shown is a system 300 in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented, comprising one or more primary units310 separated from one or more secondary units 320 by a body part 325,air 328, or other wireless media. Primary unit 310 may use and/orinclude one or more instances of emission modules 340, modules 358 ofimaging logic 350 (handling images 354, e.g.), fuses 361 or othermodules 362, 363, 364 of control logic 360, signals 370, modules 381 ofevaluation logic 383, or interfaces 390. Emission module 340 maylikewise include one or more instances of x-ray emitters 334,near-infrared emitters 335, ultrasound emitters 336, visible lightemitters, radio frequency emitters 338, or other emitters 339 asdescribed below. In some variants, emission module 340 may permitvarious operational modes (for emitting more than one frequency or typeof energy 331, for example, optionally via respective emitters).Alternatively or additionally, interface 390 may present, receive, orotherwise handle one or more images 385, 386; input 387; values 367, 368or other indications 371-378 or data 388 as described below. Such datamay likewise be handled by one or more sensing elements 324 operable fordetecting a portion 332 of energy 331 passing through or around bodypart 325, for example, and transmitted to primary unit 310 or otherentities as described below.

In light of teachings herein, for example, numerous existing techniquesmay be applied for configuring a brace or other wearable articleeffective for positioning a health-related component in a specificposition relative to a living subject as described herein without undueexperimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,320,319 (“Medicant deliverysystem and method”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,841 (“Device and system forenhanced SPECT, PET, and Compton scatter imaging in nuclear medicine”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,497 (“Medical device for analyte monitoring and drugdelivery”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,194,298 (“Method and apparatus for trenddetection in an electrocardiogram monitoring signal”); U.S. Pat. No.7,147,372 (“Device and system for improved imaging in nuclear medicineand mammography”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,387 (“Ultrasonic apparatus fortherapeutical use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,071 (“Iontophoretic drugdelivery system”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,905 (“Acquired pendular nystagmustreatment device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,683 (“Phonospirometry fornon-invasive monitoring of respiration”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,460(“Spectrophotometers with catheters for measuring internal tissue”);U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,154 (“Support garments for patient-worn energydelivery apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,684 (“Wearableperitoneum-based system for continuous renal function replacement andother biomedical applications”).

Numerous existing techniques may likewise be applied for configuring areflector or diffraction grating, or otherwise for guiding emissionssuitable for applications as described herein without undueexperimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,450,241 (“Detectingvulnerable plaque”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,446,882 (“Interferometer fordetermining characteristics of an object surface”); U.S. Pat. No.7,445,938 (“System and method for detecting presence of analytes usinggratings”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,431,719 (“System for electromagneticradiation dermatology and head for use therewith”); U.S. Pat. No.7,426,037 (“Diffraction grating based interferometric systems andmethods”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,297 (“Air conditioner with a light waveunit for auxiliary heating and sterilizing”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,395,711(“System and technique for characterizing fluids using ultrasonicdiffraction grating spectroscopy”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,344,428 (“Motionconversion mechanism for use with child containment structure”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,190,109 (“Illuminator for photodynamic therapy”); U.S. Pat.No. 7,137,712 (“Reflector system for determining position”); U.S. Pat.No. 7,088,901 (“Light guide apparatus and method for a detector array”);U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,807 (“Laser treatment apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No.6,569,157 (“Removal of stratum corneum by means of light”); U.S. Pat.No. 6,507,638 (“X-ray imaging optical camera apparatus and method ofuse”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,400,741 (“Emission timing control apparatus forpulsed laser”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,366,737 (“External flash controlsystem”).

Alternatively or additionally, various existing techniques may beapplied for combining a charging capacitor or other such energydispensation element with one or more circuit breakers or other elementseffective to present or otherwise control such dispensations asdescribed herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,457,536 (“Flash device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,443,141 (“Capacitor chargingcircuit, flash unit, and camera”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,403,119 (“Networkedsecurity system and method for monitoring portable consumer articles”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,382,816 (“Two-stage laser pulse energy control deviceand two-stage laser system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,382,634 (“Voltagemultiplier with charge recovery”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,368,741 (“Extremeultraviolet light source”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,359,649 (“Infraredtransmitter circuit and electronic device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,336,018(“Circuit configuration for charging and discharging a plurality ofcapacitive actuators”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,224,218 (“Pre-charge apparatusand method for controlling startup transients in a capacitively-coupledswitching power stage”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,203,539 (“Apparatus and methodfor energy management in atrial defibrillator”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,502(“Flashing discharge tube-use power supply and control methodtherefor”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,068,226 (“Pulsed plasma antenna”); U.S. Pat.No. 6,892,096 (“Implantable cardiac stimulating device with optimizeddemand”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,826,365 (“Battery saving flash chargercontrol”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,792 (“Capacitor discharge ignition (CDI)system”).

An embodiment provides a software-controlled module 363 or othercircuitry for transmitting one or more images 385, 386 of a body part325 to a remote entity (in remote network 30, e.g.) in response to aninput 387 or other action by a local entity (user 220, e.g.) and anemission module 340 or other circuitry for irradiating the body part 325in response to the remote entity. In some variants, the embodimentfurther provides one or more sensing elements 324, film, or othercomponents for capturing another image of or other data 388 relating tothe body part 325 in response to the remote entity. This can occur, forexample, in a context in which local unit 250 implements one or moreinstances of system 300, in which such remote entities are highlyskilled and/or specialized, and in which signal 370 includes one or moreindications 374 that such a preliminary image 386 contains suitablealignment and/or subject matter. Alternatively or additionally, suchtransmissions may be made contingent upon a request or other decision,for example, by a local user, a module 381 configured for imagerecognition, or some other entity capable of sifting outclearly-suitable or clearly-unsuitable elements 396 of a preliminaryimage 386.

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may beapplied for selecting and implementing an imaging protocol in responseto a preliminary image or other indication of a symptom, body part, orother such parameters as described herein without undue experimentation.See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,382,906 (“Method of determining the region ofinterest in images of skin prints”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,342,999 (“Methodand apparatus for generation of a digital x-ray image of an examinationsubject”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,320,518 (“Ophthalmic apparatus”); U.S. Pat.No. 7,303,555 (“Imaging and therapeutic procedure for carpal tunnelsyndrome”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,263,156 (“Method and apparatus to facilitatecomputerized tomography of relatively large objects”); U.S. Pat. No.7,197,107 (“X-ray CT apparatus and X-ray CT method”); U.S. Pat. No.6,885,885 (“Magnetic resonance imaging method and device”); U.S. Pat.No. 6,816,564 (“Techniques for deriving tissue structure from multipleprojection dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,529,280(“Three-dimensional measuring device and three-dimensional measuringmethod”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,135 (“System and method for providingself-screening of patient symptoms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,105 (“Methodand device to calibrate an automatic exposure control device in an x-rayimaging system”).

Another embodiment provides (a) an emission module 340 operable foremitting energy 331 suitable for imaging through air 328, tissue, orother wireless media and (b) one or more sensing elements 324 configuredto receive a portion 332 of the energy 331 through a body part 325 fromthe emission module 340. It may likewise include one or more modules 362of control logic 360 or other circuitry for resetting the emissionmodule 340 partly based on a certification of a user (manifesting asindication 371, e.g.) and partly based on an action by the user(manifesting as indication 372, e.g.). This can occur, for example, in acontext in which a third-party input or other value 367 signifies theoccurrence of such certification and in which one or morepreference-indicative values 368 signify the occurrence of one or moresuch users 240 signaling an activation or other preference. Suchcontexts may effectively be confirmed, for example, by an indication 375that one or more preliminary images 385, 386 contain symptomatic orother identifiable elements 395, 396. In some variants, one or more suchmodules 364 may operate (to enable or disable emission module 340, e.g.)selectively in response to one or more of (a) an indication 376 ofimproper alignment with body part 325 and/or sensing elements 324, (b)an indication 377 of insufficient charge to activate emission module340, or (c) an indication 378 that primary unit 310, secondary unit 320,or a user might not be ready.

Some variants combine one or more single-use x-ray emitters 334 or othersuch emission modules 340 configured to emit energy 331 suitable forimaging with one or more modules 358 of imaging logic 350 for generatingand/or transmitting a digital image 354 of a body part 325 resultingfrom an activation of the single-use emission module. In some variants,primary unit 310 may include additional instances of emission modules340, such as for facilitating a confirmation of proper alignment beforeand/or during image capture. This can occur, for example, in a contextin which module 358 includes circuitry for detecting (or for receivingfrom secondary unit 320, e.g.) one or more images 354 depicting bodypart 325 in relation to primary unit 310 and/or secondary unit 320.

In some embodiments, a “single-use” component may be configured toperform its primary function just once. This can occur, for example, ina context in which fuse 361 is configured to open a current path throughone or more instances of emission module 340 upon an activation of aprimary emitter therein. In some variants, for example, a single-useemission module may also permit one or more iterations of coarse imagingor other secondary functions (while or before transmitting higher-energyradiation suitable for medical imaging, e.g.). Alternatively oradditionally, some “single-use” components may be refurbished orotherwise reset by certified entities in some contexts as describedherein.

With reference now to FIG. 4, shown is a system 400 in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented, comprising one or more emission units440 or other such modules primarily configured for energy emission. Oneor more voltage sources 401, current sources 402, single-use energysources 403, or other sources may be configured to activate single-useemitter 420 or other emitters 421, 422 as described herein. Single useemitter 420 may include a vacuum tube 410 containing a coil 411(primarily a tungsten alloy, e.g.) powered by current source 402, forexample, via (anodes 414 or other) terminals 412 suitable to form anelectron beam 415. In some variants, coil 411 may also have a calibrateddiameter, for example, small enough generally to ensure that a filamentwill burn out the first time coil 411 is activated. Alternatively oradditionally, current source 402 may be configured to provide a currentpulse (on the order of several amperes or more, e.g.) high enough toburn out almost any such filament.

As shown, electrons in beam 415 collide with anode 414 by virtue ofvoltage source 401 providing a voltage about 30 to 50 kilovolts higherthan that of terminals 412. This may cause x-ray energy 405 to beemitted in a controllable fashion (controlled by one or more reflectors413 or shields 419, e.g.). In some contexts, for example, x-raystraveling in undesired directions may be absorbed by a rotary aperturemask 417 or other such components, any of which may be adjustable orselectable to effect a desired energy distribution. In light ofteachings herein, numerous existing techniques may be applied foremitting and directing x-rays or other ionizing radiation for variouspurposes as described herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,604 (“Nitride crystal, nitride crystal substrate,epilayer-containing nitride crystal substrate, semiconductor device andmethod of manufacturing the same”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,051(“Multifaceted reflecting mirror, illumination optical system based onuse of the same, and semiconductor exposure apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No.6,909,774 (“Apparatus and methods for surficial milling of selectedregions on surfaces of multilayer-film reflective mirrors as used inX-ray optical systems”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,373,916 (“X-ray CT apparatus”);U.S. Pat. No. 5,812,631 (“Method for manufacturing monolithic capillaryX-ray lens a monolithic capillary X-ray lens and apparatus using same”);U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,708 (“Optical element, production method of opticalelement, optical system, and optical apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No.5,606,165 (“Square anti-symmetric uniformly redundant array codedaperture imaging system”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,087 (“X-ray imagingsystem including brightness control”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,038(“Stereoscopic X-ray apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,446 (“Aplanaticand quasi-aplanatic diffraction gratings”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,051(“Masked scanning X-ray apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,470 (“Tireinspection system”).

In some contexts, system 400 may likewise include an ionizing radiationcontrol module 447, one or more emitters 422, or other such componentsof emission unit 440 operable for emitting energy (locally in responseto one or more user actions, e.g.) and a latch 444, relay 445, or othercircuitry for resetting one or more modules 447, 448 locally in responseto a remote signal 450. (In some variants, “ionizing radiation” energymay include photons (a) having a wavelength up to 280 nanometers or (b)directly causing ionization in germs or other organisms.)

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may beapplied for incorporating such limited-use modules or otherstate-dependent features effective for limiting an allocation asdescribed herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,456,899 (“Imaging apparatus and control circuit of imaging device”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,436,028 (“One-time programmable read only memory andoperating method thereof”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,433,455 (“Processing acommunication session using a rules engine”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,628(“Biosensor and method of manufacturing biosensor”); U.S. Pat. No.7,389,558 (“Brush head for one time use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,710(“Payment card preloaded with unique numbers”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,342,398(“Method, device and magnetic resonance tomography system for monitoringemitted RF energy”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,256,446 (“One time programmablememory cell”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,564 (“Stencil printer with a duplexprinting capability”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,770 (“Needle positioningforceps”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,507,699 (“Photographic process and one-timeuse camera to prevent unauthorized recycling and/or reuse of thecamera”).

With reference now to FIG. 5, shown is a system 500 in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 500 may, in some contexts,include software or other instances of modules 571, 572 of transmissionlogic 570, detection modules 595 (configured to monitor images 581, 582,583 of package contents or body parts 590, e.g.), or other such logic ordata on physical media 580. In some contexts, for example, an emissionunit 440 operable for emitting x-ray energy 405 may include or otherwiseinteract with an instance of system 500 having a module 571 fortransmitting a digital image 583 of a body part 590 resulting from anactivation of emission unit 440.

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing“biological-imaging-emission modules” may be suitable for spectrometry,neuroimaging, tomography, encephalography, or other such modes ofbiological imaging as described herein without undue experimentation.See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,640 (“Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,242 (“Tissue sensing adaptive radar imaging forbreast tumor detection”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,450,242 (“Optical tomographyapparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,685 (“Apparatus and method forregistration, guidance and targeting of external beam radiationtherapy”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,432,707 (“Magnetic resonance imaging withcorrected intensity inhomogeneity”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,151 (“Devicefor short wavelength visible reflectance endoscopy using broadbandillumination”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,397,886 (“Method and apparatus forsoft-tissue volume visualization”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,379,532 (“ECG-basedrotational angiography for cardiology”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,372,985(“Systems and methods for volumetric tissue scanning microscopy”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,349,725 (“Fluorescent image obtaining apparatus”); U.S. Pat.No. 7,330,531 (“System for quantitative radiographic imaging”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,328,060 (“Cancer detection and adaptive dose optimizationtreatment system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,317,821 (“Automatic abnormal tissuedetection in MRI images”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,266,407 (“Multi-frequencymicrowave-induced thermoacoustic imaging of biological tissue”).Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, such modules may beconfigured for therapeutic or other non-imaging purposes.

With reference now to FIG. 6, shown is a system 600 in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented for interacting with one or morenetworks 605 (via one or more signals 609) or users 620 (via one or moreinterfaces 645, e.g.). In some variants, a local unit 650 or other suchemission module comprises one or more emitters 632 controlled by one ormore modules 641 (in response to one or more indications 648 of localactions by user 620, e.g.). Alternatively or additionally, control logic640 may include one or more other modules 642 for resetting such a localunit 650 in response to a remote signal 609. This can occur, forexample, in a context in which such actions(s) are taken by an unskilledand/or unspecified local user, in which local unit 650 is suitable forbiological imaging, and in which receiver 631 activates at least somecontrol logic 640 in response to remote signal 609 (received from aremote specialist via linkage 610, e.g.).

In some embodiments, an “unspecified” user may include an unskilledand/or unknown user of a device. In some embodiments, such a user is“able to release” an amount of energy via a component in the absence ofa design feature limiting the component to a smaller cumulative energydispensation. A single-use flashbulb generally “prevents” a photographerfrom dispensing more than a single flash, for example, even if theflashbulb could be replaced by the photographer and/or refurbished by aflashbulb manufacturer. A conventional lightbulb filament similarlyprevents most lamp users from emitting a nominal power level (in watts,e.g.) for much longer than the bulb's nominal operating life (in hours,e.g.). In some embodiments, moreover, a feature of a module may“prevent” an unspecified user from taking an action conditionally. Aspecialist or other user may reset or remove such features in somecontexts, for example, to modify or circumvent such “prevention.”

In some embodiments, an “activation history” may refer to any recordedor other detectable result of one or more activations. A fuse or otherstructural feature may be “dependent” on such a history, for example, ifits state indicates to an observer or device whether or which suchactivation has apparently occurred.

In some embodiments, an “emission module” may include optical or otherelements suitable to emit detectable energy through wireless media. Insome contexts, such modules may likewise refer to special-purposecircuitry for controlling such emitters, remotely or otherwise, or toimaging or communication subsystems containing such modules.

In some embodiments, an emission module “suitable for” biologicalimaging may be configured to emit optical or other energy of a strengthand uniformity sufficient to permit tissue imaging, subject or siteidentification, or other such useful functions within a region ofinterest. Various techniques are described herein for positioning anemission module in relation to tissue to be treated and/or imaged. Somesuch techniques may incorporate existing techniques for aligning anemitter with a target of interest with reference to a physical object,for example, by a skilled practitioner without undue experimentation.See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,676 (“Surgical stapling instrumentsincluding a cartridge having multiple staple sizes”); U.S. Pat. No.7,313,840 (“Induction liquid pump and magnetic tank scrubber”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,241,296 (“Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealingvessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,180 (“Guided ablation with end-firefiber”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,179,219 (“Incontinence treatment with urethralguide”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,818 (“Intramedullary nail-based bonefracture treatment”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,568 (“Guiding catheter systemfor ablating heart tissue”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,660,022 (“Rotor bladeanchor and tool for installing same”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,671(“Instrument and method for implanting an interbody fusion device”);U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,432 (“Tissue expander magnetic injection port”).

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may likewisebe applied for using a physical device to positioning a joint or otherbody part in an orientation suitable for treatment and/or diagnosis asdescribed herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,454,806 (“Leg support arrangement for operating tables”); U.S. Pat.No. 7,452,342 (“Range of motion device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,727(“Locking shoulder joint”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,582 (“Oral appliance formaintaining stability of one or more aspects of a user's masticatorysystem”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,371,240 (“Method of arthroplasty on a kneejoint and apparatus for use in same”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,951(“Orthosis for correcting the position of a body joint”); U.S. Pat. No.7,207,963 (“Shoulder brace”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,185,656 (“System forrestraining head and neck movement”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,879 (“Femurfixture and set of femur fixtures”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,983(“Positioning and buffering device for artificial knee joint”).

With reference now to FIG. 7, shown is a system 700 in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented for facilitating real time and othercommunications with a local user 780. Unit 790 includes one or moreinput devices 797 and one or more output devices 798 (displaying acommon image 760 depicting a relative position of a reference symbol 761and a subject symbol 762, e.g.). Such configurations may be useful, forexample, for a local user 780 trying to position or scan emission and/ordetection units as described herein relative to a target body part orother regions 770 of interest. Alternatively or additionally, a speakeror other output device 798 may be invoked (by a remote expert or otherentity described herein, e.g.) to indicate (a) whether one or morephysiological features are apparently recognizable in a digital image ofregion 770, (b) that an image is out of focus or insufficientlyilluminated, (c) that region 770 is not the right target, or other suchdistillations.

Alternatively or additionally, a skilled practitioner will be able toapply various existing techniques for using an imaging detector and/orreference image to align device modules with a selected emission targetas described herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., See, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 7,405,056 (“Tissue punch and tissue sample labelingmethods and devices for microarray preparation, archiving anddocumentation”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,379,190 (“Stage alignment inlithography tools”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,327,452 (“Light beam apparatus andmethod for orthogonal alignment of specimen”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,324,842(“Atlas and methods for segmentation and alignment of anatomical data”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,312,872 (“System and method for automated positioning ofcamera”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,170,968 (“CT scanner system and method forimproved positioning”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,825,454 (“Automatic focusingdevice for an optical appliance”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,900 (“Scanninglaser opthalmoscope optimized for selective retinalmicrophotocoagulation”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,276 (“Ultrasonic baseddetection of interventional medical device contact and alignment”); U.S.Pat. No. 5,769,790 (“Focused ultrasound surgery system guided byultrasound imaging”).

With reference now to FIG. 8, shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 800 may (optionally) compriseone or more device 840 operable for emitting ionizing radiation energy821 or other energy 822. System 800 may further comprise one or moreinstances of control logic 830; receivers 845 (for handling images 843from layer 810 or other signals 850, 860 from an optical receptor,e.g.); and emitters 871, 872 and other components of emission module(s)890. In some contexts, for example, such an emission module 890 mayinclude an ordinary reflector 877 or other feature that is (at leastnominally) independent of an activation history of its emitter 872.Alternatively or additionally, an emission module 890 may include one ormore event detectors 885, activation counters 886, analog circuitry, orother activation-history-dependent features 881, 882 configured toindicate cumulative emissions directly or indirectly for at least onemitter 871 or category of emissions.

An embodiment provides (a) an emission module 890, (b) asoftware-controlled module 832 or other special-purpose circuitry forresetting the emission module 890 in response to an activation signal860, and (c) a wearable article (layer 810, e.g.) configured to positionone or more sensing elements 811, 812 to receive a structure-indicativeportion 825 of ionizing radiation energy 821 or other energy 822 emittedthrough a region 820 to be observed. This can occur, for example, in acontext in which region 820 comprises a body part, in whichactivation-history-dependent feature 881 comprises circuitry forlimiting a maximum exposure duration or other such control parameter 851in response to an integrating photon detector (in emitter 871 or element811, e.g.), and in which system 800 would otherwise permit an unskilledoperator to expose region 820 to dangerous radiation levels bysuccessive activations. In some contexts, module 831 may be configuredto generate a reset and/or activation signal 850 based (a) upon a button880 being pressed, (b) upon an identification 861 or other certification862 of a person handling device 840, and/or (c) upon a user-specifiedcontrol parameter 851 or other such determinant 852 as described herein.In some variants, for example, module 831 may operate upon detecting alater-occurring one of (1) certification 862 and (2) one or moreemitters 871, 872 being sufficiently charged to emit a pulse suitablefor imaging.

In some variants, a threshold or other determinant 852 may indicate acumulative duration, a discrete number of activations, a scoreindicative of more than one type of activation, or other such subjectiveor other indicators. See, e.g., FIGS. 15-17. Alternatively oradditionally, a control parameter 851 or other component of signal 850may indicate a user code identifying a “budget” (in joules ormilliseconds, e.g.) for each of several users of an emission module or acertification of any users that have not yet exhausted their “budgets.”In some configurations, moreover, equivalent modes of control may beimplemented by other structures, such as by similarly “metered” powersupplies effective for enhancing an emission module's safety by limitingusage as described herein.

Another embodiment provides an emission module 890 having one or morefuses 884, activation counters, and/or otheractivation-history-dependent features 882 configured to prevent aless-skilled operator from being able to release more than an inherentmaximum (on the order of 1 or 100 kilojoules, e.g.) of ionizingradiation energy 821 via the emission module 890. Such maxima may beappropriate, for example, in sterilization, security, or materialstesting applications. In a context in which a photostimulable phosphorplate or other such detection layer 810 is used (for medical imaging inconjunction with a multidetector or electron beam computed tomographysystem, e.g.), a smaller effective emission threshold (on the order of 1to 10 joules, e.g.) may be implemented.

With reference now to FIG. 9, shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. Systems as described herein may includeor otherwise interact with one or more instances of utility units 900positioned local to a subject of observation or other entity of interestas described herein. In some variants, for example, one or more localunits 250, 650 may include control logic 920 or other circuitry operablefor generating any of various emission pulse waveforms 925 in responseto one or more voltages 902, emission frequencies, rates 903 ofintensity change, polynomial weighting factors 901, or other suchparameters 910. This can occur, for example, in a context in which thewaveform 925 controls or comprises an emission of energy 283.Alternatively or additionally, control logic 640, 920 or othercomponents may be implemented upon an Application-Specific IntegratedCircuit 975 or other configuration suitable for responding to a signal609 from a remote user 220 or other entity.

In some variants, utility unit 900 may likewise comprise one or moresoftware-controlled modules 930 or other circuitry for transmitting aretinal or other facial image 931, a voice clip 932, or otherpersonalizing indications 935 of a user 240 or other subject detected ina vicinity 235 of one or more emission modules 245 or other imagingmodules that were or will be used upon the subject. Alternatively oradditionally, an instance of utility unit 900 may include one or morehardware modules 940 or other circuitry for transmitting video data 941,an auditory or text message 942, or other personalizing indications 945of a care provider responding remotely to a subject. Some variants maylikewise include one or more instances of software-controlled modules940 or other circuitry for transmitting video data 941, auditory or textmessages 942, or other personalizing indications 945 of a care providerresponding remotely to a subject.

In some contexts, a utility unit 900 may include one or more modules961, 962 of invocation logic 960, processors 970, or similar circuitry(configured to execute or otherwise cause an invocation of a recognitionmodule 950 or other resource, e.g.). In some variants, for example, aradiologist or other remote resource may respond to an evaluationrequest from module 962 by signaling whether any pathologies or otherphysiological features 957 are apparently recognizable in an image 958or other data 959 from physical media 580; sensing elements 324, 811; orother such detection components as described below.

With reference now to FIG. 10, shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. Systems as described herein may includeor otherwise interact with one or more instances of guidance units 1000accessible to a paramedic or less-skilled user 1080. In some contexts, adevice-implemented or other programmatic diagnosis protocol 1091, 1092may include one or more operational sequences 1081, 1082, 1083 directingor permitting user 1080 to invoke various instances of sensors. In somecontexts, for example, this permit user 1080 to interact with an expertuser 220 or other remote resource via a headset 1094 or other interface1095. Alternatively or additionally, guidance unit 1000 may include oneor more instances of evaluation logic 1098 for evaluating positional orother situational data.

With reference now to FIG. 11, shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 1100 may comprise one or moreinstances of displays 1105 or other components of interfaces 1095, 1110for interacting with a local user 1080, 1120, such as those describedwith reference to the embodiments above. In some variants, for example,display 1105 may present a video clip or other sequence of images 1101,1102, 1103 identifying a preferable motion, position, or other protocolcomponent for effective data acquisition relating to a patient 1180.This can occur, for example, in a context in which system 1100 includesone or more emission modules, event detectors 1160, sensors 1171, orother such detection units 1170. In some applications, for example,event detector 1160 may include one or more latches 1146 or other memoryelements 1148 effective for indicating an event detector state 1147resulting from one or more modules 1154 of detection logic 1150 applyinga threshold 1155 or other analytical protocol to images, measurementdata, or other such determinants 1153. In some variants, for example,detection unit 1170 may include one or more transmitters 1172 operablefor indicating such states 1147 (via a wireless linkage 1115, e.g.) to alocal interface 1110 or remote resource. Other such contexts aredescribed above, for example, with reference to FIGS. 2 & 5-10.

In some variants, systems as described herein may include a local unit650 or other (common) structure supporting an emitter, configurationlogic or other emission control logic, and a local interface 648, 1110for use in a proximity of a patient or other object of observation.Alternatively or additionally, local interfaces may include a display1105 configured to present a facial image or video data (depicting aremote caregiver, e.g.) in a vicinity of such an emission module. (Suchheadsets 1094, detection units 1170, or other local units 250, 650 maylikewise comprise one or more speakers/microphones to facilitatereal-time interactions or auditory recordkeeping, in someimplementations.)

With reference now to FIG. 12 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 1200 may comprise one or moreinstances of emitters 1215 or other components directly or otherwiseoperable by a user 1230 for transmitting energy 1225 through a region,such as for imaging or other functions in coordination with resources ofnetwork 1205. Alternatively or additionally, system 1200 may include afree-standing structure; a local unit 650 suitable to be held by a user;an adhesive patch 1251, belt 1252, vest 1253, or other wearable article1254, a mounted article (for use on a door, e.g.), or other portablestructure. In various configuration that will be apparent in light ofthese teachings, such structures may be configured to support one ormore instances of detection logic 1240, emission modules 1255, energydetection or other optical elements (film 1256, e.g.), storage media1258, presentation media 1259, or modules 1261 of configuration logic1265. In some variants, for example, a suitably-positioned instance ofdetection logic 1240 may include arrayed or other sensors 1233,hardware-implemented or other protocols 1238, 1239, or other modules1234, 1235, 1236, 1237 for obtaining measurements 1249 or other datauseful for diagnoses. Other such contexts are described throughout thisdocument.

An embodiment provides an emission module 1210 suitable forvisible-spectrum or other biological imaging (in emitting energy 1225,e.g.) and operable locally in response to one or more inputs viainterface 1218 or other actions by user 1230. This can occur, forexample, in a context in which local unit 650 (of FIG. 6) includes (a) areceiver 631 and (b) software or other modules 642 comprising orcontrolling circuitry for resetting the emission module 1210 locally inresponse to a remote signal 609 (from network 1205 or detection unit1280, e.g.). In some variants, for example, such a signal may contain orotherwise trigger a reset protocol by which module 642 resets a“remaining activations” counter or other suchactivation-history-dependent feature 1214 (to permit user 1230 to resumeimaging, e.g.).

Another embodiment provides an emission module 1210 having one or morenetwork linkages 1207 or other activation-history-dependent features1214 configured to prevent user 1230 from being able to release morethan about 10 to 100 kilojoules of ionizing radiation energy 1225 viathe emission module 1210 (for emitting an amount of far-ultravioletlight effective for sterilizing an operating room or other such facilityin response to a janitor's control activation, e.g., without being fatalto a human occupant thereof). In some variants, for example, suchfeatures may prevent user 1230 from being able to release more than amaximum (one the order of about 3 or 300 joules, e.g.) of ionizingradiation energy 1225 via the emission module 1210 (for emitting anamount of x-ray light sufficient for generating a series of x-rayimages, e.g., via film slides or sensors 1233). Alternatively oradditionally, a server or other resource in network 1205 may transmit asingle-use or reset authorization in response to a history of activationby user 1230 or of source unit 1220. For many diagnostic applications,an activation-history-dependent feature 1214 may optionally beconfigured to prevent a less-skilled user from being able to releasemore than a maximum (on the order of 0.3 or 30 joules, e.g.) of ionizingradiation energy 1225. Alternatively or additionally, source unit 1220may include a mechanical linkage with detection unit 1280 or other suchfeature to facilitate or confirm an appropriate relative position asdescribed herein (as exemplified in FIG. 1, e.g.).

Some variants of the above-described embodiments, with reference toFIGS. 2-8 for example, can occur in a context in which (a) eventdetector 1160 includes a latch 1146 or other memory element 1148 havinga state 1147 indicative of whether a determinant has crossed anemission-indicative threshold 1155 and in which (b) measurements 1249 orother determinants 1153 are obtained by one or more sensors 1233 orother event-responsive modules 1154, 1234 (of detection logic 1150,1240, e.g.). In some variants, for example, emitters as described hereinmay manifest activation as one or more detectably higher-than-nominaltemperatures 1241, intensities 1242, durations 1243, frequencies 1245,currents 1247, or other energy-indicative measurements 1249, controlparameters, or other determinants obtained as described herein.

With reference now to FIG. 13 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 1300 may comprise one or moreinstances of handheld or other interaction units 1360 having modules1351 of local logic 1350 (for permitting a responder 1380 safely totrigger one or more emitters 1341, 1342, for example). Interaction unit1360 may further comprise triggers 1332 or other user-operable controls,imaging logic 1310, response logic 1320, or other modules forpermitting, causing, guiding, or otherwise facilitating the acquisitionand processing of data 1331 according to a triage protocol or otherprotocol as described herein. In some contexts, for example, suchdevices may invoke linkages to one or more applications 1391, controllogic 1392, emergency support experts or other users 1393, or otherresources 1394 in remote networks 1390. Other such contexts aredescribed above, for example, with reference to FIGS. 2-12.

An embodiment comprises (a) a finger trigger 1332 or other such emissioncontrol module operable for causing one or more emitters 1342 to emitx-rays and (b) a relay, software-controlled module 1333, or other suchcircuitry for resetting the emission control module partly based on abiometric or other certification of responder 1380 and partly based onan action by responder 1380. This can occur, for example, in a contextin which module 1321 performs a fingerprint or voice certification, inwhich module 1322 responds to a trigger actuation, and in which thecontrol module will not trigger an emission and/or will not be reset inresponse to an uncertified or unrecognized user's actions. In somecontexts a preliminary x-ray emission (of less than 1 joule, e.g.) maybe used for verifying an appropriate alignment with a target body part1370, a wearable article, or some other article configured to detectand/or screen out a portion of the emitted energy 1343, for example, asa precursor to other operations as described herein. Alternatively oradditionally, in some variants, such reset circuitry may be enabledresponsive to such a certification and action by remote user 1393facilitating a computed tomography scan or other emergency responseprotocol.

Another embodiment provides an interaction unit 1360 or other circuitryfor transmitting an image 1311 of a body part 1370, in response to anaction by a responder 1380 or other local entity, remotely to aspecialty software application 1391 or other such entity. Some variantsfurther comprise local logic 1350 configured to irradiate the body part1370 (by activating emitter 1341 of emission module 1340, e.g.) andimaging logic 1310 or other imaging components configured to captureanother image 1312 of the body part 1370 responsive to user 1393 orother remote resource 1394. This can occur, for example, in a context inwhich a subject would otherwise need to be taken to a remote facilityfor evaluation or in which a provider of interaction unit 1360 wouldotherwise need to staff and equip local radiology centers at substantialexpense.

With reference now to FIG. 14 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 1400 may comprise one or moreinstances of a primary unit 1420 positioned and/or activated by user1410 and configured to emit energy 1482 (in a beam 1466 via reflector1465, e.g.) toward a subject's limb 1490 or other body part. This canoccur, for example, in a context in which user 1410 is not an imagingspecialist and in which one or more modules 1473 of detection logic 1470can image or otherwise detect a pressure ulcer, a tumor, or otherpathologies manifesting in data 1433 from tissue 1492 beneath thesubject's skin 1491. Alternatively or additionally, module 1473 can betailored for more effective identification of pathologies for whichdelays in treatment greatly reduce its effectiveness. Other suchcontexts are described below, for example, with reference to FIGS.16-22.

An embodiment provides an emission module (including at least emitter1454, e.g.) operable for emitting (at least some) x-ray energy 1481; oneor more sensors 1471 or other modules 1472 of detection logic 1470 (in alinear sensor array, e.g.) implementing circuitry for detecting aneffect of x-ray energy 1481 or other energy 1482, through at least sometissue 1492 originating from the emission module. In some contexts, forexample, the effect manifests as one or more images 1431, computedcoordinates 1432, or other such indications 1430 as described herein.The embodiment may further include (a) one or more modules 1472 likewiseconfigured to detect an effect of other energy 1483 (directly reflectedor otherwise) from the body part and (b) one or more modules 1462 ofcontrol logic 1460 configured to reset the emission module partly basedon a certification 1461 of a user 1410 and partly based on a vocal orother action (input 1451, e.g.) by the user. Such effects may includeone or more images 1441, positional estimates, transitions in signals1442, or other such indications 1440. Alternatively or additionally,such a reset operation may be implemented by software or other switches1452 permitting a selective activation of one or more emitters 1453,1454.

With reference now to FIG. 15 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 1500 may comprise one or moreinstances of certification logic 1510 or other components of interface1550 implement one or more data filters 1511, password protocols 1512,biometric authentication protocols 1513, skill verification protocols,or other such protocols 1514 effective for certifying a local or otheruser. In some variants, for example, such a certification may be guidedvia prompts at output 1541 and indicate or establish a relationshipbetween the user(s) and a session 1521, function 1522, speaker or othersuch device 1523, service 1524, document 1525, or other such item 1526.Alternatively or additionally, one or more modules 1537 of decisionlogic 1535 may transmit a preference-indicative signal 1531 or otheroutput signal 1532 remotely, for example, delegating or otherwisepermitting “local” control (pursuant to user input 1542 and contingentupon a successful certification, e.g.). Many such interfaces may be usedin systems described throughout this document.

With reference now to FIG. 16 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 1600 may comprise one or moreinstances of a radiologist or other such certified user 1690 examiningpreliminary images 1682 in conjunction with symptoms, questions or otherrequests, or other contextual data 1681 relating to a pathology orcircumstance. In some contexts, for example, user 1690 may respond (viaa wireless linkage or network linkage 610, e.g.) with advice, a controlparameter or signal, or other such guidance for facilitating(contemporaneously and/or remotely, e.g.) a subsequent acquisition of arefined primary image 1683 or other result data 1684 of a morespecialized diagnostic utility. Other such contexts are described above,for example, with reference to FIGS. 6-14.

With reference now to FIG. 17 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. Any of the above-described systems, forexample, may include or interact with one or more modules 1731, 1732 ofprocessing logic 1740 or modules 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726 ofconfiguration logic 1720 as described herein. Such modules may update oract upon one or more apparent states 1752 (of an emission module 245,340, 890, 1210 or other component, e.g.) or diagnoses 1753 (of a bodypart 325, 590, 1370 or subject or configuration, e.g.). Other suchcontexts are described below, moreover, with reference to FIGS. 18-22.

Many of the above-described embodiments may (optionally) include orinteract with software-controlled or other modules for generating ascanned or other image in response to energy output from one or moreemitters. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,428,290 (“X-ray CT apparatus”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,423,933 (“Method for visualization of echoes received byan active sonar using a line spectrum emission”); U.S. Pat. No.7,400,701 (“Backscatter inspection portal”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,386,150(“Active subject imaging with body identification”); U.S. Pat. No.7,339,603 (“Exposure device for an electrophotographic apparatus”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,218,704 (“X-ray backscatter mobile inspection van”); U.S.Pat. No. 6,977,375 (“Multi-beam multi-column electron beam inspectionsystem”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,995 (“Manufacture method forelectron-emitting device, electron source, light-emitting apparatus, andimage forming apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,919,919 (“Light calibrationdevice for use in low level light imaging systems”); U.S. Pat. No.6,802,753 (“Method for manufacturing electron beam device, method formanufacturing image forming apparatus, electron beam device and imageforming apparatus manufactured those manufacturing methods, method andapparatus for manufacturing electron source, and apparatus formanufacturing image forming apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,331(“Method and device for making radiographic images”); U.S. Pat. No.6,496,957 (“Design evaluating method and apparatus for assistingcircuit-board assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,337 (“X-ray computedtomography apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,651 (“Electronic camerausing flash for exposure control”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,896(“Manufacturing method for electron-emitting device, electron source,and image-forming apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,490 (“Exposurecontrol for an image pickup apparatus that uses an electronic flash”);U.S. Pat. No. 6,246,463 (“Optical laser scanning device and imageforming apparatus having the optical laser scanning device”); U.S. Pat.No. 6,094,472 (“X-ray backscatter imaging system including moving bodytracking assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,676 (“Electrophotographic imageforming apparatus using guided light to detect waste toner in a processcartridge toner accommodating unit”). In light of teachings herein, forexample, one or more of these techniques may be applied for implementinga module 1731 for computing an image 1751 in response to output 1756resulting from a scanning or other emitter without undueexperimentation. Other such embodiments are described, for example, withreference to FIGS. 2-5 & 19.

Such embodiments may likewise include circuitry for signaling whetherone or more injuries or other physiological features are apparentlyrecognizable in the digital image. In light of teachings herein, forexample, numerous existing techniques may be applied for implementingsoftware or other modules 1732 for extracting one or more pathologyindicators 1757, user identifiers 1754, feature recognition protocols1755, or other such indicators 1758 from or with a digital image withoutundue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,446,868 (“Microdefects in semi-conductors”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,437,025 (“Sensing systemfor detection and control of deposition on pendant tubes in recovery andpower boilers”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,417,734 (“System and process forsorting biological particles”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,251 (“Method fordetecting and classifying a structure of interest in medical images”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,242,817 (“System and method for detecting obstacle”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,126,699 (“Systems and methods for multi-dimensionalmetrology and/or inspection of a specimen”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,649(“Wavefront characterization of corneas”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,740(“Method and apparatus for identifying buried objects using groundpenetrating radar”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,975,894 (“Digital topologicalanalysis of trabecular bone MR images and prediction of osteoporosisfractures”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,831,664 (“Low cost interactive programcontrol system and method”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,247 (“Imaging ofenzymatic activity”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,461 (“Ultrasound device forthree-dimensional imaging of internal structure of a body part”); U.S.Pat. No. 6,556,696 (“Method for segmenting medical images and detectingsurface anomalies in anatomical structures”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,396(“Method of and apparatus for automating detection of microorganisms”).Other such embodiments are described below, for example, with referenceto FIGS. 19-22.

Some of the above-described embodiments may (optionally) interact with aspecial-purpose linkage or other circuitry for resetting the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features in response to an authorizationfrom a certified service provider or other user. In light of teachingsherein, for example, numerous existing techniques may be applied forimplementing one or more modules 1722 of configuration logic 1720 forinitializing one or more operational indicators 1715 or otherwisecontingently resetting one or more logic modules (of control logic 140,360, 640, 830, 1392, e.g.) without undue experimentation. See, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 7,436,291 (“Protection of devices in a redundantconfiguration”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,411,766 (“Circuit interrupting devicewith end of life testing functions”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,266,988(“Resettable latching MEMS shock sensor apparatus and method”); U.S.Pat. No. 7,239,064 (“Resettable latching MEMS temperature sensorapparatus and method”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,085,805 (“Remote devicemanagement in grouped server environment”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,658,597(“Method and apparatus for automatic recovery ofmicroprocessors/microcontrollers during electromagnetic compatibility(EMC) testing”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,963 (“Event-recording devices withidentification codes”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,587 (“Watchdog method andapparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,093 (“Automatic configuration ofprimary and secondary peripheral devices for a computer”); U.S. Pat. No.6,259,358 (“School bus safety device”). Some variants of processing unit1700 may, for example, comprise configuration logic 1720 or othercircuitry for generating, requesting, or acting upon one or morethresholds 1711, 1712, scores 1713 or other computed quantifications1716, results 1717, or other such determinants 1718 as described herein.Other such contexts are described above, for example, with reference toFIGS. 8-14.

Some of the above-described embodiments may include or otherwiseinteract with one or more software modules 1726 or other circuitry fortriggering a determination of whether an organ or other physiologicalfeature is apparently recognizable in image 1751. In some contexts, forexample, module 1725 may obtain such result 1717 by transmitting digitalimage to a remote specialist or other such evaluation resource.

Alternatively or additionally, many of the above-described embodimentsmay comprise special-purpose circuitry for deciding whether to disableor alter an emission level of an emission module in response to acomparison between one or more parameters of an emission and a referencevalue. Such decisions can occur, for example, in a context in which oneor more modules 1724, 1725 of configuration logic 1720 implement auser-specified protocol in which an emission module will be disabledwhenever an emitter thereof apparently (a) is fired for the Nth timeand/or (b) emits a total of at least X joules and/or (c) emits a pulseof more than 10^10 photons or longer than 80 milliseconds (as threshold1711, e.g.) and/or (d) crosses some other such threshold 1712. See,e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,432,667 (“Projector lamp control for increasedlamp life”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,423,688 (“Lighting control apparatus”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,397,202 (“Brightness control circuit and backlightcontrol module”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,321,348 (“OLED display with agingcompensation”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,301,868 (“Optical diskrecording/reproducing method and recording/reproducing apparatus usingthe same”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,276,681 (“On-board light source based gaincorrection for semi-active laser seekers”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,116,471(“Method and system for improved eye protection safety of distributedRaman amplifiers”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,870,521 (“Method and device fordriving plasma display panel”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,963 (“Safety latchfor Raman amplifiers”). Other such embodiments are described above, forexample, with reference to FIGS. 1-3 & 8.

With reference now to FIG. 18 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented, a kiosk 1860 permitting a pedestrian orother unspecified user 1890 to perform medical imaging or otherdiagnostic functions remotely (in a resort, fuel station, or elder carefacility, for example, far from a hospital or laboratory). Kiosk 1860may include one or more instances of visible-spectrum cameras 1871,handheld scanners 1872 or wands 1874, microphones or other data entrydevices (keyboard 1876, e.g.), card readers 1877 or data ports (forreading intake forms, payment data, medical histories, or other suchdata from a magnetic card, printout, or other portable data-handlingmedium, e.g.), or output devices (screens 1878 or printers forpresenting reports 1879 or other results, e.g.). Such stations may beconfigured for use (at a point-of-care station accessible to a driver orother user 1890, for example) with any of the above-described systems.

With reference now to FIG. 19 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 1900 may comprise one or moreinstances of a support (legs 1930 or tripod 1910, e.g.) configured toposition an energy emitter 1920 in relation to a shield 1922, a bodypart or other target, and/or a plate 1940 or other energy detectionapparatus. In some variants, for example, emission module 1990 mayinclude (a) one or more modules 1973 for controlling one or moreemitters 1920 as described above and/or (b) positioning logic 1981operable for controlling extenders 1932 or other components of thesupport, for example, in response to preliminary images or commands froma remote user 220, 1393. Other such contexts are described above, forexample, with reference to FIGS. 2-8 & 16-18.

An embodiment provides a system comprising one or more safety features1961 or other activation-history-dependent features 1962 configured toprevent an inexperienced user from being able to release more than amaximum (on the order of 30 or 100 joules, e.g.) of ionizing radiationor other potentially dangerous energy 1925 into a body part (leg 1926,e.g.) via the emission module 1990. In some variants, for example, oneor more modules 1971 of configuration logic 1950 may include circuitryfor maintaining an emission module 340, 890, 1210, 1990 in a disabledstate until a certifiable user is present or in real-time communicationwith a local responder 380. Such certification may arise from one ormore of a recognizable login 1952, a responder's successful tutorial orother on-site demonstration of knowledge or skill, an indication 1954that a real-time guidance protocol 1951 is warranted, or in other suchcircumstances as described above (with reference to FIGS. 2-8, e.g.).

Another embodiment comprises an emission module 1990 operable foremitting energy 1925 through air, one or more sensing elements (anexposure area of plate 1940 or other detection units, e.g.) configuredto receive a portion of the energy 1925 through a leg 1926 or other bodypart from the emission module 1990. The embodiment may further compriseone or more modules 1972 for resetting the emission module 1990 at leastpartly based on a vocal input 1953 or other indication 1955 of an actionby a certified user. This may occur, for example, in a context in whichemission module 1990 includes (a) control logic or other local features1963 as described above or (b) a local user interface 1982 or otherlinkage 1983 with a user group or other remote resource as describedherein.

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may beapplied for configuring a shield for ionizing radiation, an emitterconfiguration, a reflector, a support, or other such structures tofacilitate selective exposure of detectors and other targets asdescribed herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,375,358 (“Radiation shield for portable x-ray fluorescenceinstruments”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,356,123 (“X-ray device having acollimator, and method of setting the latter”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,607(“Mammograph system with a face shield”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,289,603(“Shield structure and focal spot control assembly for x-ray device”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,256 (“Laser system and method for treatment ofbiological tissues”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,211,814 (“Standoff radiationattenuation system”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,625 (“Ocular surgicalprotective shield”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,109,505 (“Shaped biocompatibleradiation shield and method for making same”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,071,692(“Radio frequency shield for nuclear magnetic resonance procedures”);U.S. Pat. No. 6,965,118 (“Radiation shield for portable x-rayfluorescence instruments”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,999 (“Miniature x-rayunit”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,427 (“LED fixation device for topicalanesthesia eye surgery”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,920 (“X-ray localizerlight system”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,768,925 (“Method for improved safety inexternally focused microwave thermotherapy for treating breast cancer”);U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,771 (“Organ shields for medical procedures”); U.S.Pat. No. 6,618,465 (“X-ray shielding system and shielded digitalradiographic inspection system and method”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,549,609(“X-ray generator with a limiting device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,320,938(“Method of X-ray protection during diagnostic CT imaging”).

With reference now to FIG. 20 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 2000 may comprise one or moreinstances of a workstation 2005 for use by a specialist 2030 remote froma local unit 2050 comprising one or more emission modules 2068, 2070each comprising one or more emitters 2066, 2090. In some contexts, suchan emitter may include one or more anodes 2081 in a vacuum chamber 2085(of tube 2082, e.g.) containing a cathode 2084. When control logic 2097causes switch 2072 to couple high voltage source 2071 across anode 2081and cathode 2084, electrons from cathode 2084 collide with anode 2081 toproduce photons 2088. In some contexts, an operating life of emitter2090 may be greatly extended by causing anode 2081 to rotate on rotor2096, for example, or to keep anode 2081 from significant charring byapplying an appropriate flow of coolant 2094 outside chamber 2085.Alternatively or additionally, such photons may be spread, concentrated,or otherwise directed (by one or more reflectors 2073 or lenses, e.g.)in any of several existing configurations. In some variants, moreover,local unit 2050 may include one or more modules 2051, 2052 of controllogic 2055, such as for implementing various components of processingunits 1700 or communications functions as described herein.

Alternatively or additionally, system 2000 may include one or moresensors 2006 or input devices 2025 for use by specialist 2005. Somevariants may include (a) one or more emission modules 2068, 2070operable for emitting photons 2088 or other energy into a subject's bodypart, (b) one or modules 2051 configuring circuitry for detecting aneffect of the other energy upon the body part, (c) circuitry fordetecting an effect of the photons 2088 upon the body part, and (d) oneor more modules 2052 configuring circuitry for resetting the emissionmodule(s). This can occur, for example, in a context in which suchcontrol logic 2055 responds to a signal 2040 indicating anauthentication 2010 or other certification of a user (responsive to apassword 2007 or biometric 2008, e.g.) and an action by the user. Aremote specialist 2030 may take such actions via trigger 2013,confirmation 2014, indication 2015, or other such data 2020, forexample, optionally in response to one or more images 2022 presentingdata from local unit 2050.

In some contexts, for example, such modes of control permit a specialistor other personnel to operate, reset, or otherwise configure local unit2050 without having to travel to a facility containing local unit 2050.Alternatively or additionally, one or more control modules 2060 mayinclude remote or other triggers 2013, 2061, 2062 operable foractivating an x-ray emitter 2090 or other emitter 2066, as well ascontrol logic 2055 or other circuitry for resetting the controlmodule(s) 2060 partly based on an identity authentication 2010 or othercertification of a remote specialist 2030 or other user and partly basedon a signal 2040 indicative of an action by such user(s). Other suchcontexts are described above, for example, with reference to FIGS. 2-14.

With reference now to FIG. 21 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 2100 may comprise one or moreinstances of an emission module 2110 in a housing 2180 (optionally on atripod or other support 2185, e.g.) operable for transmitting energy2190 through a wireless medium 2170. An embodiment provides (a) anionizing radiation control module or other emission module 2110 and (b)a reset module 2115 or other circuitry for resetting or otherwiseconfiguring the emission module 2110 locally in response to a remotesignal 2178. This can occur, for example, in a context in which emissionmodule 2110 is operable (for biological imaging or therapeutictreatments, e.g.) locally in response to a timer activation, a wirelesscontroller activation, or some other direct response to an action bysubject 2140.

Another embodiment comprises (a) emission module 2110 comprisingcircuitry for emitting energy 2190 and (b) a vest 2160, shoe, helmet, orother wearable article configured to support two or more sensingelements 2161, 2162 each in a position suitable to receive a portion ofthe energy 2190 (for imaging through torso 2164 or other body part,e.g.) from the emission module 2110. This can occur, for example, in acontext in which emission module 2110 includes or otherwise interactswith control logic 2130 and one or more emitters 2121, 2122, 2123operable for emitting energy 2190 suitable for imaging through the bodypart. In some variants, the embodiment may further include a resetmodule 2115 (of configuration logic 2120) for resetting at least somecontrol logic 2130 of the emission module 2110 partly based on a type orother indication 2131 of a user action (by a remote user, for example,via signal 2178) and partly based on (an indication 2132 of) acertification of the user.

Yet another embodiment provides (a) first and second overlapping sets2141, 2142 of energy emitters 2121, 2122, 2123; (b) an image detectionstructure 2165; (c) one or more modules 2151 of control logic 2150 orother circuitry for causing a use of the first energy emitter set 2141and (indirectly) of the image detection structure 2165; and (d) one ormore modules 2152 of control logic 2150 for causing a use of the secondenergy emitter set 2142 and of at least the image detection structure2165. This can occur, for example, in a context in which one or moreusers have been certified (as competent or authorized, e.g.) before orafter providing input 387, 1542 invoking control logic 2130 to activatethe second energy emitter set 2142.

In some variants, emission module 2110 may include or otherwise interactwith reset module 2153 (of control logic 2150, e.g.) configured assoftware-controlled or other circuitry for disabling control logic 2130in response to one or more indications 2133 that the wearable article isnot being worn or is being worn improperly. Alternatively oradditionally, emission module 2110 may interact with another such resetmodule 2154 configured as software-controlled or other circuitry forenabling control logic 2130 in response to one or more indications 2134that the wearable article(s) and emission module 2110 have properrelative alignment.

With reference now to FIG. 22 shown is a context in which one or moretechnologies may be implemented. System 2200 may include one or morearrays 2220 or other sets 2221, 2222 of emitters 2237 (in or controlledby emission modules 2210 as described herein, e.g.) configured totransmit energy (manipulable by barriers 2294, gratings, linear arrays,reflectors 2296, or other such features, e.g.) suitable for forming animage 2298 in an image detector 2290 as described herein. Other suchcontexts are described above with reference to various systems.

An embodiment provides one or more modules 2218 of control logic 2208for causing a use of a set 2222 of one or more energy emitters 2235,2236 and of one or more arrays 2281, sensors 2291, apertures 2293, orother features 2282, 2297 of an image detector 2280, 2290. Theembodiment further provides one or more modules 2219 of control logic2209 for causing a use of a superset or other overlapping set 2223 ofenergy emitters 2236, 2237 and of at least one feature 2282, 2297 (inresponse to various indications 2241-2243 as described below, e.g.).This can occur in a context in which user 2260 is authorized to activatehandheld unit 2250, for example, for scanning a body part 2270 (ofanother individual, e.g.). In some variants, for example, module 2245may be configured to generate such a recognition or other such positiveindication 2241 responsive to (a) detecting a fingerprint, voiceprint,or other such raw indication 2242 (successfully certifying user 2260,e.g.) and to (b) detecting a subsequent or other button press, verbalcommand, or other preference-indicative action (as indication 2243,e.g.). Alternatively or additionally, module 2245 may be configured totransmit energizing radiation only upon confirming an appropriateposition of handheld unit 2250 (relative to a wrap 2285 or other sucharticle, e.g.). In some contexts, moreover, an image detector 2290 orwrap 2285 may comprise a shield or other such feature 2297 (effectivefor blocking a majority of an ionizing radiation directed toward a bodypart, for example, such as by limiting intensity, exposure time, orother such dosage control parameters).

With reference now to FIG. 23, shown is a flow 2300 that may beperformed in one or more of the above-described contexts. Flow 2300 mayinclude one or more instances of operation 2330—obtaining an indicationof one or more attributes of an emission module (e.g. one or moreinstances of configuration logic 1265, 1720, 1950 obtaining suchindications 1955 as a priori knowledge or by interaction with a user orlocal unit 250, 650, 2050). This can occur, for example, in a context inwhich an above-described embodiment includes or interacts with suchconfiguration logic, optionally under the control of a specialist 2030or other remote entity. In some variants, moreover, operation 2330 mayinclude one or more instances of these operations: 2332, 2335, or 2337.

Operation 2332 describes sensing a position of the emission modulerelative to a stationary article (e.g. one or more modules 1723determining whether one or more images 1751 from a wand 1874 or otherhandheld instrument depicts a landscape, a kiosk 1860 or otherartificial structure, or other such recognizable features indicatingwhether the instrument is appropriately positioned relative to astationary subject). This can occur, for example, in a context in whichthe instrument contains or conveys energy from the emission module, inwhich precise positioning is critical for effective measurement, and inwhich a user 1890 may take an unknown amount of time to position theinstrument and subject. Alternatively or additionally, one or moreproximity detectors, sensors in wearable articles, remote users 220 orother specialized resources, or other modes of detection (as describedabove with reference to FIGS. 1-22, e.g.) can be used for confirmingpositional suitability.

Operation 2335 describes sensing a position of the emission modulerelative to one or more of a wearable article or a body part (e.g.module 1725 receiving coordinates, preliminary images, or otherindications that a leg 1926, vest 2160, wrap 2285, or other part of orarticle worn by a subject 2140 is appropriately positioned for effectivediagnostic imaging of a target body part 1370). This can occur, forexample, in a context in which a guidance unit 1000 includes orinteracts with configuration logic 1265, 1720, 1950, 2120 and in whichin which module 1725 receives raw, real-time data indicative of suchpositioning from a camera 1871 or other stationary sensor, a scanner1872 or other handheld sensor, or some other such detection circuitry asdescribed herein. In some variants, for example, module 1725 may guide auser 1080, 1890 verbally through a sequence 1081 of positioningoperations. Alternatively or additionally, module 1725 may effectivelyconfirm that such wearable articles position sensing elements insuitable positions for irradiating a target region of interest,especially in contexts in which the emissions might otherwise exposeother body parts to irradiation unnecessarily. See, e.g., FIG. 2, 3, 12,21, or 22.

Operation 2337 describes sensing a type of the emission module (e.g.module 1723 detecting a model or component identifier, a frequency rangeor other emission type, or other such static parameters of an emitter orits mode of operation). This can occur, for example, in a context inwhich module 1723 communicates with one or more modules 222 of controllogic 140, 295, 640 920; detection logic 1150, 1240, 1470; or othercomponents having an indication of an emission or emission module type.(In some embodiments, a frequency range or other “type” of anirradiation, operating mode, emission module, or other such entity mayrefer to an entirety of its energy or to a majority or other substantialcomponent thereof. As exemplified herein, many such entities may thusbelong to two or more “types.”) In some variants, for example, module1723 may use such information for adapting an imaging or otherirradiation, for annotating data arising from the irradiation, or forinvoking one or more special protocols 1092 to ensure safe and effectiveemission module operation.

Flow 2300 may further include one or more instances of operation2360—invoking circuitry for causing an irradiation in response to theindication of the one or more attributes of the emission module (e.g.one or more instances of control logic 225, 295 or other response logicenabling or triggering an imaging or other irradiation in response to atype or other attribute of an emission module 245, 340, 890, 1210,1990). This can occur, for example, in a context in which one or moreprotocols 1091, 1238, 1514, 1755, 1951 described herein are implementedin software, in which an emission is contingent upon a “ready” state ofthe emission module, and in which any positioning or other preconditionsimposed by the protocol(s) are met. In some variants, for example,operation 2360 may include one or more instances of these operations:2361, 2363, 2366, or 2368.

Operation 2361 describes triggering an emission of visible light partlybased on a user action and partly based on at least one of the one ormore attributes of the emission module, as the irradiation (e.g. one ormore modules 222, 223 of control logic causing one or more emitters 262,263 to emit at least some visible light as energy 283). This can occur,for example, in a context in which energy 283 combines two or more typesof energy emissions. In some variants, for example, an X-ray or otheremitter emits other types of energy simultaneously or in alternation tosignal the activation and other attributes of the X-ray component.Alternatively or additionally, one or more preliminary emissions may beused for verifying positional suitability or for other tasks asdescribed above. Such emission operations may likewise incorporate orinteract one or more instances of sterilization, therapeuticapplications, or other modes of irradiation as described herein.

Operation 2363 describes receiving one or more results of theirradiation via a wearable article (e.g. one or more modules 1236 ofdetection logic 1240 receiving therapeutically relevant signals 1531 orother detectable energy 1225 in or from a patch 1251, wrap 2285, orother wearable article 1254). This can occur, for example, in a contextin which the article(s) contain or interact with configuration logic1265, 1720 that performs operation 2330, and in which detection logic1240 and one or more emission modules 1210 jointly perform operation2360. Alternatively or additionally, in some contexts, remote evaluationlogic 210 or users 220 may receive diagnostic data via such articles.

Operation 2366 describes enabling the circuitry for causing theirradiation in response to a remote signal (e.g. one or more modules363, 1462 of control logic resetting or otherwise enabling one or moreemitters 1453 or other emission modules 245 in response to a remoteinstance of signal 609, 1442). This can occur, for example, in a contextin which a local unit 250, 650 has a wireless or other networkconnection and in which some remote source transmits the signal 370 to awireless interface or other local receiver. In some variants, forexample, a remote entity may generate such an enabling signal only whenone or more conditions are met: that prior emissions via the local unitwere performed satisfactorily or adequately explained, that a nextirradiation or diagnostic has been paid for, that a local unit isapparently well-positioned for irradiating a target region, or othersuch conditions as described above. Alternatively or additionally, sucha condition may be confirmed locally, in some protocols, before or aftersuch an authorization by the remote entity.

Operation 2368 describes enabling the circuitry for causing theirradiation in response to a user certification (e.g. module 1321triggering an enablement of or emission from emission module 1340 inresponse to a password entry or other such action by a responder 1380 orother user 1393). This can occur, for example, in a context in whichmodule 1321 prompts responder 1380 for such a certification (ofcompetence or authority, for example) before or after responder 1380tries to trigger an emission. In some variants, for example, local logic1350 may request such an input in response to an indication thatresponder 1380 is trying to cause emission module 1340 to emit ionizingradiation (as contrasted with infrared or other modes of emission, forexample, that may available). Alternatively or additionally, in somevariants, a more-specialized user 1393 may (optionally) be called toparticipate in authorizing some emissions (a sterilizing emission of 5to 20 kilojoules or more, e.g.). Such interaction units 1360 or otherhandheld devices may likewise incorporate or interact one or moreinstances of preliminary imaging or verbal interface protocols, forexample, to confirm the appropriateness of a proposed emission.

With reference now to FIG. 24, shown is a flow 2400 that may beperformed in one or more of the above-described contexts. Flow 2400 mayinclude one or more instances of operation 2420—obtaining an indicationof a user action (e.g. one or more instances of local units 2050 orother detection components signaling an input, positioning action, orother detectable condition warranting an irradiation). This can occur,for example, in a context in which a user has been or might be certifiedfor triggering, resetting, or otherwise facilitating an irradiation asdescribed above. In some variants, moreover, operation 2420 may includeone or more instances of these operations: 2423, 2426, or 2427.

Operation 2423 describes obtaining an evaluation of an apparentpositional suitability of an emission module relative to one or moresensing elements (e.g. one or more modules 1235, 1236 of detection logicevaluating whether emission module 1210 is positioned to emit energy1225 toward sensors 1233). This can occur, for example, in a context inwhich such a module obtains a measurement 1249 of a preliminary portionof such energy 1225, in which such a module detects an unpowered sourceunit (via another emission module 1255, e.g.), or in which interface1218 effectively signals such apparent suitability responsive to inputfrom user 1230. In some variants, for example, detection logic 1240 maysignal an apparent positional suitability only in response to two suchindications. Alternatively or additionally, one or more such modules maydetect or otherwise work in conjunction with a wearable article 1254configured to support one or more sensors 1233 operable to receive aportion of the energy 1225 through a body part from the emission module1210.

Operation 2426 describes receiving the indication from a user who hasreceived a preliminary image (e.g. keyboard 1876 accepting a “captureimage” menu selection from user 1890 after screen 1878 displays someindication of a view from a scanner 1872 or wand 1874). This can occur,for example, in a context in which a user 240 has access to a publickiosk, in which kiosk 1860 comprises an instance of a local unit 250implementing interface 1550, in which control logic 295 and keyboard1876 jointly perform operation 2420, and in which protocol 1514 directssuch output to screen 1878 to ensure that one or more emitters 262 areproperly positioned. In some variants, for example, such control logicmay then perform operation 2470 (jointly with emission module 245, e.g.)by triggering the irradiation (via an emitter 262 in scanner 1872,e.g.). Alternatively or additionally, one or more remote users 220 maylikewise perform operation 2426 in cooperation with local facilities orusers.

Operation 2427 describes providing guidance to facilitate the useraction (e.g. a handheld unit 790 displaying one or more referencesymbols 761 and subject symbols 762 in a common image 760 to specify adesirable range or motion). This can occur, for example, in a context inwhich local unit 2050 implements such a handheld unit 790, a conicsection or other reference symbol 761 denotes a target range ofpositions for unit 790, in which another conic section or other subjectsymbol 762 denotes a current position of unit 790 relative to thedesirable range, and in which a user 780 may change at least therelative positions of such symbols (effectively in real time, e.g.) bymoving unit 790 manually. In some variants, for example, a specialist2030 or other such resource may provide suitable data (by moving ahandheld counterpart unit or other such input device 2025 in real time,e.g.) defining a target range. Alternatively or additionally, a localhelp feature or other such guidance may likewise indicate how user 780can best position unit 790 relative to a region 770 of interest.

Flow 2400 may further include one or more instances of operation2470—invoking circuitry for causing an irradiation of at least a part ofa subject's body in response to the indication of the user action (e.g.one or more instances of control logic 225, 295, processing logic 1740,or other response logic enabling or triggering an imaging or otherirradiation in response to a type or other attribute of an emissionmodule 245, 340, 890, 1210, 1990). This can occur, for example, in acontext in which the user action (locally or otherwise) signals anapparent readiness for the irradiation and in which one or moreparticipating users have certified as described herein. In somevariants, for example, operation 2470 may include one or more instancesof these operations: 2472, 2475, or 2479.

Operation 2472 describes transmitting a digital image of a body partresulting from an activation of an emission module (e.g. one or moremodules 930 transmitting one or more facial images 931 and/or diagnosticimages 936 facilitated by a flash or other emission as describedherein). This can occur, for example, in a context in which such imagesare immediately or subsequently received by a care provider. In somevariants, for example, medical history data or other such contextualindications 935 may accompany the transmission to facilitate arecipient's evaluation.

Operation 2475 describes detecting an effect of the irradiation of thepart of the subject's body (e.g. module 1732 detecting one or moreinstances of images 1751, measurements, diagnoses 1753, or other suchdata resulting directly or indirectly from energy irradiating a bodypart as described herein). This can occur, for example, in a context inwhich absorbed or reflected portions of the energy are detecteddirectly, in which such measurements or other processed data may bederived immediately from such detections, and in which a certified orother user effectively controls an emission module remotely through awireless medium (such as by cellular, 802.11b/g/n, wireless USB, orradio linkages). Alternatively or additionally, module 1732 may beconfigured (jointly with invocation logic 960, e.g.) to relate suchdetections with opinion data or other such distillations in due course,such as by soliciting a response in forwarding the detected dataimmediately to an expert or other human participant.

Operation 2479 describes causing one or more sensing elements to receivea portion of energy resulting from the irradiation (e.g. one or moremodules 961 invoking control logic 920 or other circuitry operable fortriggering an emission as described herein). This can occur, forexample, in a context in which one or more emission modules 1210, 1340,1990, 2068, 2110 include or otherwise interact with utility unit 900, inwhich (at least) invocation logic 960 performs operation 2470, and inwhich one or more sensors 1171, 1233, 1471, 2291 are positioned todetect the energy portion (reflected off or transmitted through a bodypart of interest, e.g.). In some variants, moreover, one or more of suchemission modules may implement activation-history-dependent features882, certification protocols, or other such safety features as describedherein.

Some or all of the embodiments described herein may generally comprisetechnologies for handling one or more bioactive agents and/or carriersin releasable module form, via a liquid-bearing conduit, in a mist orother spray form, in a pumped or other pressurized form, or otherwiseaccording to technologies described herein. In a general sense, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the various aspects describedherein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by awide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereofcan be viewed as being composed of various types of “electricalcircuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry”includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at leastone discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at leastone integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that thesubject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog ordigital fashion or some combination thereof.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable typemedium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), aDigital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and atransmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analogcommunication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wiredcommunications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter,receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).

All of the above-mentioned U.S. patents, U.S. patent applicationpublications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patentapplications and non-patent publications referred to in thisspecification and/or listed in any Application Data Sheet, areincorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistentherewith.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein describedcomponents (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussionaccompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptualclarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated.Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and theaccompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their moregeneral classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended tobe representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specificcomponents (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be takenlimiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelesslyinteracting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logicallyinteractable components.

In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as“configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,”“adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that “configured to” can generallyencompass active-state components and/or inactive-state componentsand/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from the subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to claims containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “Aor B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art willappreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed inany order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in asequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may beperformed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may beperformed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may includeoverlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental,preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variantorderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like“responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives aregenerally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictatesotherwise.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto implement devices and/or processes and/or systems, and thereafter useengineering and/or other practices to integrate such implemented devicesand/or processes and/or systems into more comprehensive devices and/orprocesses and/or systems. That is, at least a portion of the devicesand/or processes and/or systems described herein can be integrated intoother devices and/or processes and/or systems via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize thatexamples of such other devices and/or processes and/or systems mightinclude—as appropriate to context and application—all or part of devicesand/or processes and/or systems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., anairplane, rocket, helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance (e.g., acar, truck, locomotive, tank, armored personnel carrier, etc.), (c) abuilding (e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), (d) an appliance(e.g., a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) acommunications system (e.g., a networked system, a telephone system, aVoice over IP system, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an InternetService Provider (ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Qwest, SouthwesternBell, etc.), or (g) a wired/wireless services entity (e.g., Sprint,Cingular, Nextel, etc.), etc.

In certain cases, use of a system or method may occur in a territoryeven if components are located outside the territory. For example, in adistributed computing context, use of a distributed computing system mayoccur in a territory even though parts of the system may be locatedoutside of the territory (e.g., relay, server, processor, signal-bearingmedium, transmitting computer, receiving computer, etc. located outsidethe territory).

A sale of a system or method may likewise occur in a territory even ifcomponents of the system or method are located and/or used outside theterritory. Further, implementation of at least part of a system forperforming a method in one territory does not preclude use of the systemin another territory.

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out inthe following numbered clauses:

1. A system comprising:

an emission module having one or more activation-history-dependentfeatures configured to prevent at least an unspecified user from beingable to release more than a maximum amount of ionizing radiation energyvia the emission module.

2. The system of clause 1, in which the unspecified user is a layperson.

3. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

a display configured to present video data in a vicinity of the emissionmodule.

4. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

a display configured to present a facial image in a vicinity of theemission module.

5. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

a speaker configured to present audio data in a vicinity of the emissionmodule.

6. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

a local interface in a vicinity of the emission module configured topresent input data from a remote individual in real time.

7. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for obtaining an evaluation of an apparent positionalsuitability of the emission module relative to one or more sensingelements.

8. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for transmitting a preliminary image indicating a position ofa target relative to the emission module.

9. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a position of the emission module.

10. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for receiving an indication of a user action; and

circuitry for activating the emission module in response to theindication of the user action.

11. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for triggering an emission of visible light partly based on auser action and partly based on one or more attributes of the emissionmodule.

12. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for receiving one or more results of the ionizing radiationenergy via a wearable article.

13. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a type of the emission module.

14. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

first circuitry for activating the emission module; and

second circuitry for enabling the first circuitry in response to aremote signal.

15. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

first circuitry for causing the emission module to emit at least theionizing radiation energy; and

second circuitry for enabling the first circuitry in response to a usercertification.

16. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates a user action thattriggers an emission from the emission module.

17. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for transmitting a digital image of a body part resulting froman activation of the emission module.

18. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for detecting an effect of the ionizing radiation energyirradiating a part of a subject's body.

19. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

a support for positioning one or more sensing elements to receive aportion of the ionizing radiation energy.

20. The system of clause 1 in which the emission module comprises:

a single-use component.

21. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

another emission module configured to permit any user to emit anunlimited amount of non-ionizing radiation energy via the other emissionmodule.

22. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

circuitry for preventing at least the unspecified user from being ableto release more than 100 kilojoules of ionizing radiation energy via theemission module.

23. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

circuitry for preventing at least the unspecified user from being ableto release more than 10 kilojoules of ionizing radiation energy via theemission module.

24. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

circuitry for preventing at least the unspecified user from being ableto release more than 1 kilojoule of ionizing radiation energy via theemission module.

25. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

circuitry for preventing at least the unspecified user from being ableto release more than 30 joules of ionizing radiation energy via theemission module.

26. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

circuitry for preventing at least the unspecified user from being ableto release more than 10 joules of ionizing radiation energy via theemission module.

27. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

circuitry for preventing at least the unspecified user from being ableto release more than 3 joules of ionizing radiation energy via theemission module.

28. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

circuitry for preventing at least the unspecified user from being ableto release more than 1 joule of ionizing radiation energy via theemission module.

29. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

first circuitry configured to indicate cumulative emissions; and

second circuitry for comparing a state of the first circuitry with athreshold.

30. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

at least one of the one or more activation-history-dependent featuresconfigured to permit another user to release more than the maximumamount of ionizing radiation energy via the emission module.

31. The system of clause 1 in which the one or moreactivation-history-dependent features comprise:

at least one of the one or more activation-history-dependent featuresconfigured to prevent any user from being able to release more than themaximum amount of ionizing radiation energy via the emission module.

32. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

a camera operable at least by the unspecified user.

33. The system of clause 1 in which the emission module comprises:

a radio frequency emitter operable at least by the unspecified user.

34. The system of clause 1, in which the emission module comprises:

an ultrasound emitter operable at least by the unspecified user.

35. The system of clause 1 in which the emission module comprises:

an x-ray emitter.

36. The system of clause 1 in which the emission module comprises:

one or more emitters configured for scanning; and

circuitry for computing an image resulting from output from at least oneof the one or more emitters.

37. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

another emission module, configured to emit visible light at least inresponse to the unspecified user.

38. The system of clause 1, further comprising:

circuitry for transmitting a facial image of a subject detected in avicinity of the emission module.

39. The system of clause 1 in which the emission module comprises:

circuitry for capturing a digital image in response to a portion of theionizing radiation energy; and

circuitry for providing guidance to a user in response to a failure torecognize one or more physiological features in the digital image.

40. A system comprising:

first circuitry for transmitting a first image of a body part to aremote entity in response to an action by a local entity;

second circuitry for causing an irradiation of the body part in responseto the remote entity; and

an imaging component configured to capture a second image of the bodypart in response to the remote entity.

41. The system of clause 40, in which the remote entity is aprofessional service provider and in which the local entity is alayperson.

42. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

a display configured to present video data in a vicinity of the imagingcomponent.

43. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

a display configured to present a facial image in a vicinity of theimaging component.

44. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

a speaker configured to present audio data in a vicinity of the imagingcomponent.

45. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

an interface in a vicinity of the imaging component.

46. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

a structure supporting the imaging component and configured to presentinput data from the remote entity in real time.

47. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

an emission module responsive to the second circuitry; and

third circuitry for obtaining an evaluation of an apparent positionalsuitability of the emission module relative to the imaging component.

48. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

an emission module responsive to the second circuitry; and

third circuitry for sensing a position of an emission module relative tothe body part.

49. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

circuitry for receiving one or more results of the irradiation of thebody part via a wearable article.

50. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

a visible light emission module responsive to the first circuitry.

51. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

an ionizing radiation emission module responsive to the secondcircuitry.

52. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

an emission module responsive to the second circuitry; and

third circuitry for sensing a type of the emission module.

53. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

third circuitry for enabling the second circuitry in response to a usercertification.

54. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates a user action thatpositions the imaging component.

55. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates a user action thatpositions the second circuitry.

56. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates a user action thattriggers the irradiation of the body part.

57. The system of clause 40 in which the second circuitry comprises:

a radio frequency emitter operable for irradiating the body part.

58. The system of clause 40 in which the second circuitry comprises:

an ultrasound emitter operable for irradiating the body part.

59. The system of clause 40 in which the second circuitry comprises:

an x-ray emitter operable for irradiating the body part.

60. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

a handheld device including at least the second circuitry.

61. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

a kiosk configured to interact with the local entity.

62. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

one or more cameras configured to capture the first image in response tothe action by the local entity, the first image depicting at least aportion of a subject's face.

63. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

one or more cameras configured to capture the first image in response tothe action by the local entity, the local entity including a patient ina vicinity of an emitter controlled by the second circuitry.

64. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

one or more cameras configured to capture the first image in response tothe action by the local entity, the local entity including at least anunspecified user.

65. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

one or more video cameras configured to capture video data comprisingthe first image in response to the action by the local entity.

66. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

one or more activation-history-dependent features configured to preventat least an unspecified user from being able to release more than 100kilojoules of ionizing radiation energy via the second circuitry.

67. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

an activation-history-dependent module; and

third circuitry for comparing a state of theactivation-history-dependent module with a threshold.

68. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

third circuitry for signaling whether one or more physiological featuresare apparently recognizable in a digital manifestation of the secondimage.

69. The system of clause 40, further comprising:

third circuitry for providing user guidance in response to a failure torecognize one or more physiological features in the first image of thebody part.

70. The system of clause 40 in which the second circuitry comprises:

one or more emitters configured for scanning.

71. A system comprising:

an electromagnetic radiation control module having at least a triggeroperable for activating an ionizing radiation emitter; and

circuitry for resetting the electromagnetic radiation control modulepartly based on a certification of a user and partly based on an actionby the user.

72. The system of clause 71 in which the user is a professional serviceprovider.

73. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a display configured to present video data in a vicinity of the ionizingradiation emitter.

74. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a display configured to present a facial image in a vicinity of theionizing radiation emitter.

75. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a speaker configured to present audio data in a vicinity of the ionizingradiation emitter.

76. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a data output in a vicinity of the ionizing radiation emitter.

77. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a structure supporting the ionizing radiation emitter and configured topresent data in response to the user in real time.

78. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for obtaining an evaluation of an apparent positionalsuitability of the ionizing radiation emitter relative to one or moresensing elements.

79. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for transmitting an image indicating a position of a targetrelative to the ionizing radiation emitter.

80. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a position of the ionizing radiation emitter.

81. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for triggering an emission of visible light responsive to anaction by another user.

82. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a wearable article including at least circuitry for receiving one ormore results of an irradiation from the ionizing radiation emitter.

83. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a wearable article including at least circuitry for receiving one ormore results of an irradiation from the ionizing radiation emitter.

84. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a type of the ionizing radiation emitter.

85. The system of clause 71 in which the circuitry for resetting theelectromagnetic radiation control module comprises:

circuitry for resetting the electromagnetic radiation control moduleresponsive to a remote signal indicative of a remote detection of atleast the action and the certification.

86. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates the action by theuser.

87. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for transmitting a digital image of a body part resulting froman activation of the ionizing radiation emitter.

88. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for detecting an effect of energy from the ionizing radiationemitter irradiating a part of a subject's body.

89. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

one or more other emitters operable at least by an unspecified user.

90. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a handheld device including at least detection logic configured toreceive energy from the ionizing radiation emitter.

91. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a handheld device including at least detection logic configured toreceive energy from the ionizing radiation emitter; and

a kiosk configured to support at least the handheld device.

92. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

detection logic configured to receive energy from the ionizing radiationemitter; and

a kiosk configured to support at least the detection logic.

93. The system of clause 71 in which the electromagnetic radiationcontrol module comprises:

another emitter, (at least) configured to emit (at least) visible light(at least) in response to (at least) another action.

94. The system of clause 71 in which the electromagnetic radiationcontrol module comprises:

circuitry for controlling an emission pulse waveform in response to oneor more parameters received from a source remote from the ionizingradiation emitter.

95. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a wearable article comprising at least an ionizing radiation shield.

96. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

another radiation control module having at least a visible-light emitterresponsive to another action.

97. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

the ionizing radiation emitter, comprising a radio frequency emitteroperable for magnetic resonance imaging.

98. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a wearable article configured to support a sensing element responsive tothe ionizing radiation emitter.

99. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

a wearable article comprising a vest or a helmet.

100. The system of clause 71 in which the electromagnetic radiationcontrol module comprises:

an x-ray emission module; and

circuitry for activating the x-ray emission module in response to thetrigger.

101. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

activation-history-dependent logic responsive to the trigger; and

circuitry for comparing a state of the activation-history-dependentlogic with a threshold.

102. The system of clause 71 in which the electromagnetic radiationcontrol module comprises:

one or more activation-history-dependent features configured to preventanother user from being able to release more than 100 kilojoules ofionizing radiation energy via the ionizing radiation emitter.

103. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for capturing a digital image at least in response to anaction by another user; and

circuitry for providing user guidance in response to a failure torecognize one or more physiological features in the digital image.

104. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

circuitry for capturing a digital image in response to an emission fromthe ionizing radiation emitter; and

circuitry for signaling whether one or more physiological features areapparently recognizable in the digital image.

105. The system of clause 71, further comprising:

one or more emitters configured for scanning; and

circuitry for computing an image resulting from output from at least oneof the one or more emitters.

106. A system comprising:

an emission module operable for emitting electromagnetic energy;

first circuitry for detecting an effect of the electromagnetic energythrough a body part from the emission module;

second circuitry for detecting an effect of other energy from the bodypart; and

third circuitry for resetting the emission module partly based on acertification of a user and partly based on an action by the user.

107. The system of clause 106, in which the user is a professionalservice provider.

108. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

a display configured to present video data in a vicinity of the emissionmodule.

109. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

a display configured to present a facial image in a vicinity of theemission module.

110. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

a speaker configured to present audio data in a vicinity of the emissionmodule.

111. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

a data output in a vicinity of the emission module.

112. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

a structure supporting the emission module and configured to presentdata in response to the user in real time.

113. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for sensing a position of the body part relative to theemission module.

114. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for obtaining an evaluation of an apparent positionalsuitability of the emission module.

115. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for sensing a position of the emission module.

116. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for receiving one or more results of theelectromagnetic energy via a wearable article.

117. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for receiving one or more results of the other energyvia a wearable article.

118. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for sensing at least a type of the electromagneticenergy from the emission module.

119. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for triggering an activation of the emission module;and

fifth circuitry for notifying the user of the activation of the emissionmodule.

120. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates another actionby another user.

121. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates the action bythe user.

122. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

another emission module, operable for emitting visible-light energy.

123. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

another emission module, operable for emitting x-ray energy.

124. The system of clause 106 in which the emission module comprises:

the emission module, operable for emitting x-ray energy as theelectromagnetic energy.

125. The system of clause 106 in which the emission module comprises:

the emission module, operable for emitting one or more of ultrasoundenergy or the electromagnetic energy.

126. The system of clause 106 in which the emission module comprises:

another emission module, operable for emitting radio-frequency energy.

127. The system of clause 106 in which the emission module comprises:

a single-use component.

128. The system of clause 106 in which the emission module comprises:

an emitter operable for emitting at least some ionizing radiationenergy; and

circuitry for preventing at least an unspecified user from being able torelease more than 300 joules of ionizing radiation energy via theemitter.

129. The system of clause 128 in which the emission module comprises:

an emitter operable for emitting at least some ionizing radiationenergy; and

circuitry for preventing at least an unspecified user from being able torelease more than 100 joules of ionizing radiation energy via theemitter.

130. The system of clause 129 in which the emission module comprises:

an emitter operable for emitting at least some ionizing radiationenergy; and

circuitry for preventing at least an unspecified user from being able torelease more than 30 joules of ionizing radiation energy via theemitter.

131. The system of clause 130 in which the emission module comprises:

an emitter operable for emitting at least some ionizing radiationenergy; and

circuitry for preventing at least an unspecified user from being able torelease more than 10 joules of ionizing radiation energy via theemitter.

132. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

a kiosk configured to interact with the user.

133. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

a handheld device configured to support at least the emission module.

134. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

a wearable article configured to support at least one of the firstcircuitry or the second circuitry.

135. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

a wearable article configured to support at least one of the emissionmodule or the third circuitry.

136. The system of clause 106 in which the emission module comprises:

activation-history-dependent logic; and

circuitry for comparing a state of the activation-history-dependentlogic with a threshold.

137. The system of clause 106 in which the emission module comprises:

one or more activation-history-dependent features configured to preventanother user from being able to release more than 100 kilojoules ofionizing radiation energy via the emission module.

138. The system of clause 106, further comprising:

fourth circuitry for capturing a digital image at least in response toan action by another user; and

fifth circuitry for providing user guidance in response to a failure torecognize one or more physiological features in an image resulting fromthe emission module.

139. The system of clause 106 in which the second circuitry comprises:

circuitry for capturing a digital image in response to the other energyfrom the body part, the other energy including at least some x-rayenergy; and

circuitry for signaling a first indication of whether one or morephysiological features are apparently recognizable in the digital image,the effect of the electromagnetic energy including at least the firstindication.

140. The system of clause 106 in which the emission module comprises:

one or more emitters configured for scanning; and

circuitry for computing an image resulting from output from at least oneof the one or more emitters.

141. A system comprising:

an ionizing radiation control module operable locally in response to oneor more local user actions; and

circuitry for configuring the ionizing radiation control module locallyin response to a remote signal.

142. The system of clause 141, in which the one or more local useractions are performed by a less-skilled device user and in which theremote signal is generated by a more-skilled device user.

143. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

a display configured to present video data locally in a vicinity of theionizing radiation control module.

144. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

a display configured to present a facial image locally in a vicinity ofthe ionizing radiation control module.

145. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

a speaker configured to present audio data in a vicinity of the ionizingradiation control module.

146. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

a local interface; and

a common structure supporting the ionizing radiation control module, thecircuitry for configuring the ionizing radiation control module, and thelocal interface.

147. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

a local interface configured to present data in response to the remotesignal.

148. The system of clause 141 in which the ionizing radiation controlmodule operable locally in response to one or more local user actionscomprises:

an emission module operable for emitting ionizing radiation; and

circuitry for obtaining an evaluation of an apparent positionalsuitability of the emission module.

149. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

circuitry for transmitting an image indicating a position of a body partrelative to a portion of the ionizing radiation control module.

150. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a position of the ionizing radiation controlmodule operable locally in response to one or more local user actions.

151. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

circuitry for triggering an emission of visible light in response to oneor more other user actions.

152. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

circuitry for triggering an energy emission in response to one or moreother user actions.

153. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a type of the ionizing radiation control module.

154. The system of clause 141 in which the circuitry for configuring theionizing radiation control module locally in response to a remote signalcomprises:

circuitry for resetting the ionizing radiation control module responsiveto the remote signal.

155. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

circuitry for detecting an effect of energy from the ionizing radiationcontrol module irradiating a part of a subject's body.

156. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

an emitter controlled by the ionizing radiation control module; and

one or more sensing elements operable for detecting energy from theemitter.

157. The system of clause 141 in which the ionizing radiation controlmodule comprises:

a single-use component.

158. The system of clause 141 in which the ionizing radiation controlmodule comprises:

an activation-history-dependent feature.

159. The system of clause 141 in which the ionizing radiation controlmodule comprises:

an emitter; and

an activation-history-dependent feature preventing at least anunspecified user from being able to release more than 100 kilojoules ofionizing radiation energy via the emitter.

160. The system of clause 141 in which the ionizing radiation controlmodule comprises:

an emitter; and

an activation-history-dependent feature preventing at least anunspecified user from being able to release more than 10 kilojoules ofionizing radiation energy via the emitter.

161. The system of clause 141 in which the ionizing radiation controlmodule comprises:

an emitter; and

an activation-history-dependent feature preventing at least anunspecified user from being able to release more than 1 kilojoule ofionizing radiation energy via the emitter.

162. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

an emitter controlled by the ionizing radiation control module.

163. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

an emitter controlled by the ionizing radiation control module; and

a kiosk configured to support at least the emitter.

164. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

one or more sensors configured to detect the one or more local useractions; and

a kiosk configured to support the one or more sensors.

165. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

an emitter controlled by the ionizing radiation control module; and

a handheld device configured to support at least the emitter.

166. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

an emitter controlled by the ionizing radiation control module; and

a handheld article including at least circuitry for detecting energyfrom the emitter.

167. The system of clause 141, in which the circuitry for configuringthe ionizing radiation control module locally in response to a remotesignal comprises:

circuitry for controlling a duration of an emission pulse in response toa parameter of the remote signal.

168. The system of clause 141, in which the circuitry for configuringthe ionizing radiation control module locally in response to a remotesignal comprises:

circuitry for controlling an emission profile in response to a parameterof the remote signal.

169. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

a sensing element operable for detecting energy from the ionizingradiation control module; and

a wearable article supporting the sensing element.

170. The system of clause 169, in which the wearable article comprises:

a vest or a shoe.

171. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

a common emitter configured to emit gamma radiation and x-ray radiationresponsive to the ionizing radiation control module.

172. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

an infrared radiation emitter responsive to the ionizing radiationcontrol module.

173. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

a gamma radiation emitter responsive to the ionizing radiation controlmodule.

174. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

an x-ray emitter responsive to the ionizing radiation control module.

175. The system of clause 141, in which the ionizing radiation controlmodule comprises:

an ionizing radiation emitter; and

one or more activation-history-dependent features configured to preventat least an unspecified user from being able to release more than 100kilojoules of ionizing radiation energy via the ionizing radiationemitter.

176. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

circuitry for capturing a digital image in response to at least one ofthe one or more local user actions; and

circuitry for signaling whether one or more physiological features areapparently recognizable in the digital image.

177. The system of clause 141, further comprising:

one or more emitters configured for scanning; and

circuitry for computing an image resulting from output from at least oneof the one or more emitters.

178. A system comprising:

an emission module operable for emitting energy through a wirelessmedium;

first circuitry for resetting the emission module partly based on acertification of a user and partly based on an action by the user; and

a wearable article configured to support one or more sensing elements toreceive a portion of the energy through a body part from the emissionmodule.

179. The system of clause 178, in which the user is a professionalservice provider.

180. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

a display configured to present video data locally in a vicinity of theemission module.

181. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

a display configured to present a facial image locally in a vicinity ofthe emission module.

182. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

a speaker configured to present audio data in a vicinity of the emissionmodule.

183. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

a local interface; and

a common structure supporting the emission module and the localinterface.

184. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

a local interface configured to present data in response to anotheraction by the user.

185. The system of clause 178 in which the emission module comprises:

an activation-history-dependent feature preventing another user frombeing able to release more than 1 kilojoule of ionizing radiation energyvia the emission module.

186. The system of clause 185 in which the emission module comprises:

an activation-history-dependent feature preventing another user frombeing able to release more than 300 joules of ionizing radiation energyvia the emission module.

187. The system of clause 186 in which the emission module comprises:

an activation-history-dependent feature preventing another user frombeing able to release more than 100 joules of ionizing radiation energyvia the emission module.

188. The system of clause 187 in which the emission module comprises:

an activation-history-dependent feature preventing another user frombeing able to release more than 30 joules of ionizing radiation energyvia the emission module.

189. The system of clause 188 in which the emission module comprises:

an activation-history-dependent feature preventing another user frombeing able to release more than 10 joules of ionizing radiation energyvia the emission module.

190. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

circuitry for obtaining an evaluation of an apparent positionalsuitability of the emission module.

191. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

circuitry for transmitting an image indicating a position of the bodypart relative to the emission module.

192. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a position of the emission module.

193. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

circuitry for triggering an emission of visible light.

194. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

circuitry for triggering an emission of visible light responsive to anaction by another user.

195. The system of clause 178 in which the emission module comprises:

an ionizing radiation emission module.

196. The system of clause 178 in which the wearable article comprises:

second circuitry for receiving one or more results of the energy.

197. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a type of the emission module or of the energy.

198. The system of clause 178 in which the first circuitry for resettingthe emission module comprises:

circuitry for resetting the emission module responsive to a remotesignal indicative of a remote detection of at least the action, thecertification, and additional data from the user.

199. The system of clause 178 in which the wearable article comprises:

second circuitry for transmitting wireless data from at least one of theone or more sensing elements.

200. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

at least one of the one or more sensing elements operable fortransmitting a digital image of the body part.

201. The system of clause 178, in which the wearable article comprises:

a vest or a shoe.

202. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

second circuitry for detecting other energy from the body part; and

another article configured to support the second circuitry.

203. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

at least one of the sensing elements, including at least circuitry fordetecting an instance of the energy

204. The system of clause 178, in which the emission module comprises:

a radio frequency emitter.

205. The system of clause 178, in which the emission module comprises:

an x-ray emitter.

206. The system of clause 178, in which the emission module comprises:

an ionizing radiation emitter;

one or more activation-history-dependent features configured to preventanother user from being able to release more than 100 kilojoules ofionizing radiation energy via the ionizing radiation emitter.

207. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

second circuitry for capturing a digital image at least in response toanother action by the user; and

third circuitry for signaling whether one or more physiological featuresare apparently recognizable in the digital image.

208. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

second circuitry for capturing a digital image at least in response toan action by another user; and

third circuitry for providing user guidance in response to a failure torecognize one or more physiological features in the digital image.

209. The system of clause 178, further comprising:

second circuitry for capturing (at least) a digital image in response to(at least) another action by (at least) the user and (at least) to anaction by another user.

210. The system of clause 178 in which the emission module comprises:

one or more emitters configured for scanning; and

second circuitry for computing an image resulting from output from atleast one of the one or more emitters.

211. A system comprising:

an emission module operable for emitting energy through a wirelessmedium;

one or more sensing elements configured to receive a portion of theenergy through a body part from the emission module; and

circuitry for resetting the emission module partly based on acertification of a user and partly based on an action by the user.

212. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a position of the body part relative to theemission module.

213. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for obtaining an evaluation of an apparent positionalsuitability of the emission module.

214. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing a position of the emission module.

215. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for receiving one or more results of the energy via a wearablearticle.

216. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for sensing at least a type of the energy from the emissionmodule.

217. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for triggering an activation of the emission module; and

circuitry for notifying the user of the activation of the emissionmodule.

218. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates another action byanother user; and

circuitry for detecting the other action by the other user.

219. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates the action by theuser.

220. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

another emission module, operable for emitting visible-light energytoward at least one of the one or more sensing elements.

221. The system of clause 211 in which the emission module operable foremitting energy through a wireless medium comprises:

the emission module, operable for emitting x-ray energy.

222. The system of clause 211 in which the emission module operable foremitting energy through a wireless medium comprises:

the emission module, operable for emitting one or more of ultrasoundenergy, infrared energy, visible-light energy, or ionizing radiationenergy.

223. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

a kiosk configured to support the emission module.

224. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

a handheld device configured to support at least one of the one or moresensing elements.

225. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

a wearable article configured to support a subset of the one or moresensing elements.

226. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

a wearable article configured to support at least one of the one or moresensing elements.

227. The system of clause 226 in which the wearable article comprises:

a patch or a belt.

228. The system of clause 226, further comprising:

another article configured to support another of the one or more sensingelements.

229. The system of clause 211 in which the emission module comprises:

an ultrasound emitter.

230. The system of clause 211 in which the emission module comprises:

a radio frequency emitter suitable for magnetic resonance imaging.

231. The system of clause 211 in which the emission module comprises:

a radio frequency emitter.

232. The system of clause 211 in which the emission module comprises:

an emitter; and

one or more activation-history-dependent features configured to preventanother user from being able to release more than 100 kilojoules ofionizing radiation energy via the emitter.

233. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for activating the emission module at least in response toanother action by the user.

234. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for activating the emission module at least in response to anaction by another user.

235. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for capturing a digital image via at least one of the one ormore sensing elements; and

circuitry for signaling whether one or more physiological features areapparently recognizable in the digital image.

236. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

circuitry for capturing a digital image in a vicinity of the emissionmodule at least in response to an action by another user; and

circuitry for signaling whether one or more physiological features areapparently recognizable in the digital image.

237. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

one or more emitters of the emission module configured for scanning; and

circuitry for computing an image resulting from output from at least oneof the one or more emitters configured for scanning.

238. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

a display configured to present video data in a vicinity of the emissionmodule.

239. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

a display configured to present a facial image in a vicinity of theemission module.

240. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

a speaker configured to present audio data in a vicinity of the emissionmodule.

241. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

a structure supporting the emission module and configured to presentdata in response to the user in real time.

242. The system of clause 211, further comprising:

an interface in a vicinity of the emission module configured to presentinput data from another user in real time.

243. A system comprising:

first circuitry for causing a use of a first energy emitter set and ofat least a first image detection structure; and

second circuitry for causing a use of a second energy emitter set and ofat least the first image detection structure partly based on acertification of a user and partly based on an action by the user.

244. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

a second image detection structure configured to obtain an imageresulting from output from the second energy emitter set.

245. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

a display configured to present video data in a vicinity of the firstimage detection structure.

246. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

a display configured to present a facial image in a vicinity of thefirst image detection structure.

247. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

a speaker configured to present audio data in a vicinity of the firstimage detection structure.

248. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

a local interface in a vicinity of the first image detection structureconfigured to present input data from a remote individual in real time.

249. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

third circuitry for obtaining an evaluation of an apparent positionalsuitability of at least one energy emitter of the second energy emitterset relative to one or more sensing elements of the first imagedetection structure.

250. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

an energy emitter of the second energy emitter set; and

third circuitry for sensing a position of a part of a subject's bodyrelative to the energy emitter.

251. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

third circuitry for sensing a position of at least one emitter of thesecond energy emitter set.

252. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

third circuitry for receiving one or more results of the use of at leastthe first energy emitter set via a wearable article.

253. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

third circuitry for receiving one or more results of the use of at leastthe second energy emitter set via a wearable article.

254. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

third circuitry for sensing at least a type of energy from the secondenergy emitter set.

255. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

third circuitry for activating the second energy emitter set; and

fourth circuitry for detecting a remote signal indicating at least theaction by the user and the certification of the user.

256. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

third circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates another actionby another user.

257. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

third circuitry for providing guidance that facilitates the action bythe user.

258. The system of clause 243 in which the second circuitry comprises:

circuitry for detecting an effect of the use of the second energyemitter set upon a part of a subject's body.

259. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

a support for positioning the first image detection structure to receiveenergy from the second energy emitter set.

260. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the first energy emitter set, configured to emit radio-frequency energy.

261. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the first energy emitter set, configured to emit ultrasound energy.

262. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the first energy emitter set, configured to emit x-ray energy.

263. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the second energy emitter set, configured to emit x-ray energy.

264. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

a handheld device configured to support at least the first energyemitter set.

265. The system of clause 243 in which the second circuitry comprises:

the second circuitry, configured for causing the use of the secondenergy emitter set and of at least the first image detection structurepartly based on the certification of the user, partly based upon whetheran emission module is appropriately positioned, and partly based on theaction by the user.

266. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

at least one common emitter in the first energy emitter set and in thesecond energy emitter set.

267. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the second energy emitter set.

268. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the first energy emitter set.

269. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the first image detection structure.

270. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the first energy emitter set, configured to emit visible light.

271. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the first energy emitter set, including at least an ultrasound emitteroperable by another user.

272. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the first image detection structure, comprising a camera operable byanother user.

273. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the first image detection structure comprising a camera operable by theuser.

274. The system of clause 243, in which the second circuitry comprises:

at least an ionizing radiation emitter of the second energy emitter set;

activation-history-dependent logic responsive to the user; and

third circuitry for comparing a state of theactivation-history-dependent logic with a threshold.

275. The system of clause 243, in which the second circuitry comprises:

at least an ionizing radiation emitter of the second energy emitter set;and

one or more activation-history-dependent features configured to preventanother user from being able to release more than 100 kilojoules ofionizing radiation energy via the ionizing radiation emitter.

276. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

the second energy emitter set, including at least an ionizing radiationemitter.

277. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

circuitry for activating the first energy emitter set at least inresponse to another action by the user.

278. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

circuitry for activating the first energy emitter set at least inresponse to an action by another user.

279. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

circuitry for signaling whether one or more physiological features areapparently recognizable in data from the first image detectionstructure.

280. The system of clause 243, further comprising:

one or more energy emitters of the first energy emitter set configuredfor scanning; and

circuitry for computing an image resulting from output from at least oneof the one or more energy emitters.

281. A system comprising:

an emission module suitable for biological imaging and operable locallyin response to one or more local user actions; and

first circuitry for resetting the emission module locally in response toa remote signal.

282. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

a display configured to present video data in a vicinity of the emissionmodule.

283. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

a display configured to present a facial image in a vicinity of theemission module.

284. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

a speaker configured to present audio data in a vicinity of the emissionmodule.

285. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

a local interface in a vicinity of the emission module configured topresent input data from a remote individual in real time.

286. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for obtaining an evaluation of an apparent positionalsuitability of the emission module.

287. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for transmitting an image indicating a position of abody part relative to the emission module.

288. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for sensing a position of the emission module suitablefor biological imaging and operable locally in response to one or morelocal user actions.

289. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for triggering an emission of electromagneticradiation.

290. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for triggering an emission of visible light suitablefor biological imaging and operable in response to one or more otheruser actions.

291. The system of clause 281 in which the emission module suitable forbiological imaging and operable locally in response to one or more localuser actions comprises:

an ionizing radiation module.

292. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for sensing a type of the emission module.

293. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for sensing a type of energy from the emission module.

294. The system of clause 281 in which the first circuitry for resettingthe emission module locally in response to a remote signal comprises:

circuitry for resetting the emission module responsive to the remotesignal, indicative of a remote detection of at least a remote useraction and a remote user certification.

295. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for detecting an effect of energy from the emissionmodule irradiating a part of a subject's body.

296. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

a handheld article including at least circuitry for detecting energyfrom the emission module.

297. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

one or more sensing elements operable for detecting energy from theemission module.

298. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

a sensing element operable for detecting energy from the emissionmodule; and

a wearable article supporting the sensing element.

299. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

a kiosk configured to support the emission module.

300. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for extracting one or more pathology indicators fromdata resulting from output from the emission module.

301. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for determining whether the emission module isappropriately positioned relative to a stationary subject.

302. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

an imaging module configured to obtain an image resulting from outputfrom the emission module.

303. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

an ultrasound emitter suitable for other biological imaging and operablelocally in response to one or more other user actions.

304. The system of clause 281 in which the emission module comprises:

a radio frequency emitter suitable for magnetic resonance imaging.

305. The system of clause 281 in which the emission module comprises:

an x-ray emitter; and

one or more activation-history-dependent features configured to preventat least an unspecified user from being able to release more than 1000joules of energy via the x-ray emitter.

306. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for activating the emission module at least in responseto an action by another user.

307. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

second circuitry for forming a digital image of a subject in response toan emission from the emission module; and

third circuitry for triggering a determination of whether one or morephysiological features are apparently recognizable in the digital imageof the subject.

308. The system of clause 281, further comprising:

circuitry for providing user guidance in response to a failure torecognize one or more physiological features in an image resulting fromthe emission module.

309. The system of clause 281 in which the emission module comprises:

one or more emitters configured for scanning; and

second circuitry for computing an image resulting from output from atleast one of the one or more emitters.

Although selected combinations of the respective clauses are indicatedabove, this is by way of illustration only, and all relevantcombinations of the clauses is also envisaged herein.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

1. A system comprising: an electromagnetic radiation control modulehaving at least a trigger operable for activating an ionizing radiationemitter; first circuitry for resetting the electromagnetic radiationcontrol module; one or more emitters configured for scanning, includingat least the ionizing radiation emitter; and a wearable articleconfigured to support a sensing element responsive to the ionizingradiation emitter and comprising a vest or a helmet.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: second circuitry for sensing a type of theionizing radiation emitter.
 3. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a handheld device including at least detection circuitryconfigured to obtain a digital image of a body part resulting from anactivation of the ionizing radiation emitter.
 4. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a handheld device including at least detectioncircuitry configured to obtain a digital image of a body part resultingfrom an activation of the ionizing radiation emitter; and a kioskconfigured to support at least the handheld device.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: detection circuitry configured to receiveenergy from the ionizing radiation emitter, the detection circuitryincluding the sensing element; and a kiosk configured to support atleast the detection circuitry.
 6. The system of claim 1 in which thewearable article configured to support a sensing element responsive tothe ionizing radiation emitter comprises: an ionizing radiation shield.7. The system of claim 1 in which the electromagnetic radiation controlmodule comprises: circuitry configured to prevent a user from being ableto release more than a maximum amount of ionizing radiation energy viathe ionizing radiation emitter, the maximum amount being at most 100kilojoules.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:activation-history-dependent circuitry responsive to the trigger; andsecond circuitry for comparing a state of theactivation-history-dependent circuitry with a threshold.
 9. The systemof claim 8, further comprising: third circuitry for sensing a positionof the ionizing radiation emitter.
 10. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a kiosk configured to support at least the sensing element;second circuitry for sensing a type of the ionizing radiation emitter;and third circuitry for transmitting a digital image indicating aposition of a target relative to the ionizing radiation emitter.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: a radio frequency emitteroperable for magnetic resonance imaging and controlled by theelectromagnetic radiation control module.
 12. The system of claim 11,further comprising: second circuitry for sensing a type of the ionizingradiation emitter.
 13. The system of claim 11, further comprising: ahandheld device including at least detection circuitry configured toobtain a digital image of a body part resulting from an activation ofthe ionizing radiation emitter.
 14. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising: a handheld device including at least detection circuitryconfigured to obtain a digital image of a body part resulting from anactivation of the ionizing radiation emitter; and a kiosk configured tosupport at least the handheld device.
 15. The system of claim 11,further comprising: detection circuitry configured to receive energyfrom the ionizing radiation emitter, the detection circuitry includingthe sensing element; and a kiosk configured to support at least thedetection circuitry.
 16. The system of claim 11 in which the wearablearticle configured to support a sensing element responsive to theionizing radiation emitter comprises: an ionizing radiation shield. 17.The system of claim 11 in which the electromagnetic radiation controlmodule comprises: circuitry configured to prevent a user from being ableto release more than a maximum amount of ionizing radiation energy viathe ionizing radiation emitter, the maximum amount being at most 100kilojoules.
 18. The system of claim 11 in which the electromagneticradiation control module comprises: circuitry configured to prevent auser from being able to release more than a maximum amount of ionizingradiation energy via the ionizing radiation emitter, the maximum amountbeing on the order of 1 kilojoule.
 19. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising: activation-history-dependent circuitry responsive to thetrigger; and second circuitry for comparing a state of theactivation-history-dependent circuitry with a threshold.
 20. The systemof claim 11, further comprising: a kiosk configured to support at leastthe sensing element; second circuitry for sensing a type of the ionizingradiation emitter; and third circuitry for transmitting a digital imageindicating a position of a target relative to the ionizing radiationemitter.
 21. The system of claim 1, the wearable article being a vest.22. The system of claim 21, further comprising: second circuitry forsensing a type of the ionizing radiation emitter.
 23. The system ofclaim 21, further comprising: a handheld device including at leastdetection circuitry configured to obtain a digital image of a body partresulting from an activation of the ionizing radiation emitter.
 24. Thesystem of claim 21, further comprising: a handheld device including atleast detection circuitry configured to obtain a digital image of a bodypart resulting from an activation of the ionizing radiation emitter; anda kiosk configured to support at least the handheld device.
 25. Thesystem of claim 21, further comprising: detection circuitry configuredto receive energy from the ionizing radiation emitter, the detectioncircuitry including the sensing element; and a kiosk configured tosupport at least the detection circuitry.
 26. The system of claim 21 inwhich the wearable article configured to support a sensing elementresponsive to the ionizing radiation emitter comprises: an ionizingradiation shield.
 27. The system of claim 21 in which theelectromagnetic radiation control module comprises: circuitry configuredto prevent a user from being able to release more than a maximum amountof ionizing radiation energy via the ionizing radiation emitter, themaximum amount being at most 100 kilojoules.
 28. The system of claim 21in which the electromagnetic radiation control module comprises:circuitry configured to prevent a user from being able to release morethan a maximum amount of ionizing radiation energy via the ionizingradiation emitter, the maximum amount being on the order of 1 kilojoule.29. The system of claim 21, further comprising:activation-history-dependent circuitry responsive to the trigger; andsecond circuitry for comparing a state of theactivation-history-dependent circuitry with a threshold.
 30. The systemof claim 21, further comprising: a kiosk configured to support at leastthe sensing element; second circuitry for sensing a type of the ionizingradiation emitter; and third circuitry for transmitting a digital imageindicating a position of a target relative to the ionizing radiationemitter.
 31. The system of claim 21, further comprising: a radiofrequency emitter operable for magnetic resonance imaging and controlledby the electromagnetic radiation control module.
 32. The system of claim1, the wearable article being a helmet.
 33. The system of claim 32,further comprising: second circuitry for sensing a type of the ionizingradiation emitter.
 34. The system of claim 32, further comprising: ahandheld device including at least detection circuitry configured toobtain a digital image of a body part resulting from an activation ofthe ionizing radiation emitter.
 35. The system of claim 32, furthercomprising: a handheld device including at least detection circuitryconfigured to obtain a digital image of a body part resulting from anactivation of the ionizing radiation emitter; and a kiosk configured tosupport at least the handheld device.
 36. The system of claim 32,further comprising: detection circuitry configured to receive energyfrom the ionizing radiation emitter, the detection circuitry includingthe sensing element; and a kiosk configured to support at least thedetection circuitry.
 37. The system of claim 32 in which the wearablearticle configured to support a sensing element responsive to theionizing radiation emitter comprises: an ionizing radiation shield. 38.The system of claim 32 in which the electromagnetic radiation controlmodule comprises: circuitry configured to prevent a user from being ableto release more than a maximum amount of ionizing radiation energy viathe ionizing radiation emitter, the maximum amount being at most 100kilojoules.
 39. The system of claim 32 in which the electromagneticradiation control module comprises: circuitry configured to prevent auser from being able to release more than a maximum amount of ionizingradiation energy via the ionizing radiation emitter, the maximum amountbeing on the order of 1 kilojoule.
 40. The system of claim 32, furthercomprising: activation-history-dependent circuitry responsive to thetrigger; and second circuitry for comparing a state of theactivation-history-dependent circuitry with a threshold.
 41. The systemof claim 32, further comprising: a kiosk configured to support at leastthe sensing element; second circuitry for sensing a type of the ionizingradiation emitter; and third circuitry for transmitting a digital imageindicating a position of a target relative to the ionizing radiationemitter.
 42. The system of claim 32, further comprising: a radiofrequency emitter operable for magnetic resonance imaging and controlledby the electromagnetic radiation control module.